Control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A control apparatus and method, including a first control device, located at a vehicle or premises, capable of controlling one or more of a plurality of at least one of a respective system, equipment system, component, device, equipment, and appliance, of a respective vehicle or premises, with a first signal. The first control device generates and/or transmits the first signal in response to a second signal generated by and/or transmitted from a second control device located remote from the vehicle. The second signal is automatically received by the first control device. The second control device generates and/or transmits the second signal in response to a third signal generated by and/or transmitted from a third control device located remote from the vehicle and the second control device. The third signal is automatically received by the second control device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/551,365, filed Apr. 17, 2000, which is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/277,935, filed Mar. 29, 1999, which is a continuation application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/683,828, filed Jul. 18, 1996, nowU.S. Pat. No. 5,917,405, which is a continuation-in-part application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/587,628, filed Jan. 17, 1996,abandoned, which is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/489,238, filed Jun. 12, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No.5,513,244, which is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/073,755, filed Jun. 8, 1993, abandoned, andwhich U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/683,828, filed Jul. 18, 1996,now U.S. Pat. No. 5,917,405, is also a continuation-in-part applicationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/622,749, filed Mar. 27, 1996,abandoned. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/551,365, filed Apr. 17,2000, also claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Serial No. 60/187,735, filed Mar. 8, 2000, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/190,379, filed Mar. 17,2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention pertains to a control, monitoring and/orsecurity apparatus and method and, in particular, to a control,monitoring, and/or security, apparatus and method for exercising and/orproviding control, monitoring and/or security, for vehicles, motorvehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreational vehicles,residential premises, commercial premises, structures and/or equipment,in a network environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Anti-theft devices for vehicles and premises are known in theprior art for preventing and/or thwarting the theft of a vehicle and/orof a premises. Vehicle recovery devices or systems are also known forrecovering a motor vehicle. These known anti-theft and/or vehiclerecovery devices may be of the active or passive variety and aretypically available in many forms (i.e. steering wheel locks, hoodlocks, ignition system cut-off devices, alarms, vehicle homing deviceswith associated receiving devices, etc.). In some cases, these devicesmay be of a very simple design, while in other cases, they may be of amore sophisticated design. However, as is well known, these knownanti-theft and/or vehicle recovery devices or systems may be easilydefeated by thieves, and especially, by professional thieves and/or haveother disadvantages associated with their use. Experience has shown thateven the most sophisticated of anti-theft devices may be defeated by anexperienced, and determined, thief, and that vehicle recovery systemsalso have drawbacks associated with their use.

[0004] In the case of some vehicle recovery devices, their use may belimited by the availability, or lack thereof, of the correspondingtracker or receiver device(s) in the particular locality, or the lack ofsame by the law enforcement department in a particular area.

[0005] In recent times, an even more disturbing criminal practice,involving the theft of motor vehicles, has rendered most anti-theftdevices virtually useless. This criminal practice, known as car-jacking,has gained widespread attention. Car-jacking usually occurs when a thiefor thieves confront a motorist or motor vehicle operator, when the motorvehicle engine is running, or when the car thief obtains easy access tothe motor vehicle ignition keys and to the motor vehicle, either byforce or by the threat of force, thereby bypassing, and renderinguseless, any of the widely known anti-theft and/or theft-deterrentdevices, thereby gaining control and/or possession of the motor vehicle.In these instances, the motorist or motor vehicle operator is welladvised to surrender the motor vehicle. However, once surrendered, themotor vehicle is virtually lost to the car thief.

[0006] Anti-theft and/or theft-deterrent devices which attempt to defeatthe ultimate vehicle theft, such as caused by car-jacking, by disablingthe motor vehicle during the “getaway”, such as by shutting off power tothe motor vehicle engine, have major disadvantages and drawbacks in thatthey could shut-off the vehicle engine at an inopportune instant intime, thereby causing a dangerous condition to exist which could lead toan accident and resulting injuries to individuals as well as damage toproperty. These accidents may arise when the motor vehicle power issuddenly shut-off while the vehicle is in motion, which condition couldcause the vehicle to suddenly, or even gradually, lose power on aroadway or highway, while traveling at a moderate or at a high rate ofspeed and/or when a power steering and/or a power braking system, whichderives its power from the vehicle engine, suddenly loses power upon theloss of the engine power. As noted above, accidents such as these mayresult in injuries to people, both inside and outside the vehicle, aswell as property damage caused by, and to, the vehicle.

[0007] The above described disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior artdevices may also pose accident liability concerns to those manufacturersand/or sellers of these devices, as well as to the owner or operator ofthe motor vehicle, as these entities and/or individuals may be heldliable for the injuries and/or the damages sustained as a result of theabove described accidents.

[0008] Vehicle recovery systems are known which include a vehicle homingdevice, which is activated and which emits homing signals which are usedto home in on, or to locate, the vehicle. These vehicle recovery systemsusually require that the law enforcement agency have correspondinghoming signal receivers and/or equipment and that they be kept inoperating condition, in order to effectively home in on, or locate, thevehicle. Unless the local police or law enforcement authorities havesuch equipment, the homing signal recovery device serves little purposein recovering the vehicle in that locale.

[0009] Other vehicle recovery systems require that a police report bemade prior to an activation of the homing and/or recovery equipment,which practice could result in the loss of valuable time in the vehiclerecovery process. The above problems concerning vehicle security areequally applicable to and present an equal or even greater problem inproviding security for marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft and/orrecreational vehicles.

[0010] Providing security for residential premises, commercial premises,structures, and/or equipment, is also of great concern, especially whensuch premises, structures and/or equipment are left vacant for hoursand/or days at a time. These concerns may arise while residentialpremises are left unoccupied during the working day, when second homesand/or vacation homes are left unoccupied for days, weeks and months ata time, and in commercial premises which may also be left unoccupied forlong periods of time such as after working hours or during weekends orother prolonged periods of time when these premises may be closed and/orunoccupied.

[0011] While anti-theft and/or security systems exist for residentialand/or commercial premises, such systems fail to enable the owner oroccupant and/or other authorized individual to conveniently andeffectively exercise and/or perform control, monitoring and/or securityfunctions with regards to these premises. The same holds true for othertypes or structures and/or equipment. The ability to conveniently andeffectively enable one to exercise and/or to perform control, monitoringand/or security functions would prove to be invaluable in allowingowners, occupants and/or other authorized individuals to exercise and/orto provide control, monitoring and/or security functions over thesepremises, from a remote location and at any time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides an apparatus and a method forovercoming the disadvantages and drawbacks which are associated with theknown prior art control, monitoring and/or security systems and providesa control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method and, inparticular, to a control, monitoring, and/or security, apparatus andmethod for exercising and/or providing control, monitoring and/orsecurity, vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles,aircraft, recreational vehicles, residential premises, commercialpremises, structures and/or equipment, in a network environment.

[0013] The present invention also provides an apparatus and a methodwhich also overcomes the shortcomings of prior art anti-theft and/ortheft deterrent systems and, in particular, anti-theft and/ortheft-deterrent systems for vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles,aircraft and recreational vehicles as well as for residential premisesand/or for commercial premises.

[0014] The apparatus of the present invention includes a transmittersystem for transmitting an electrical, an electronic, an electromagneticor other suitable signal, transmittable over a communication systemand/or medium, upon an activation by the owner or authorized user oroperator of the vehicle, motor vehicle, marine vessel, aircraft,recreational vehicle, and/or the owner, occupant and/or authorizedindividual of and for the residential premises and/or the commercialpremises.

[0015] The transmitter should also consist of a user interface deviceand a transmitting device. The transmitter should also have a receiverassociated therewith for receiving signals. In this regard, thetransmitter/receiver combination may be replaced and/or implemented withand/or by a transceiver. The transmitter transmits a signal, in responseto an authorized user or operator accessing and/or activating theapparatus.

[0016] The transmitter system is a remote system, which may or may notbe physically connected to the remainder of the apparatus. Further, thetransmitter system is not located in the vehicle, motor vehicle, marinevessel or vehicle, aircraft, recreational vehicle, residential premisesand/or commercial premises, but rather, is located external from, and/orseparate and apart from, the vehicle.

[0017] The apparatus also includes a receiver for receiving the signalswhich are transmitted by the transmitter or transceiver system. Thereceiver receives the signal(s) which is transmitted by the transmitteror transceiver and provides an indication, in the form of a signaltransmission, back to the transmitter or transceiver and, in particular,the transmitter receiver, which signifies that a signal has beenreceived by the apparatus. The receiver also generates data which isindicative of the signal, or a portion thereof, which has been received.The receiver should also be provided with its own transmitter. In thisregard, this receiver/transmitter combination may also be replacedand/or implemented with and/or by a transceiver.

[0018] The transmitter/receiver combination should provide for thetransmission and for the reception of a multitude of remote electrical,electronic, electromagnetic, and/or other suitable signals, over longdistances and/or in a mobile and/or a wireless communicationsenvironment. Telephone signals and telephone communication devices canbe utilized in the present invention as well as personal computers whichcan be utilized with telecommunications and/or other suitablecommunication systems and/or mediums.

[0019] Upon receiving the signal, the receiver generates a distinctsignal which is indicative of the signal transmitted from thetransmitter. At least a portion of the transmitted signal may include avalid access code, which accesses the receiver and the apparatus. Theaccess code serves to provide for security measures which may be takenin conjunction with the use of the apparatus.

[0020] The apparatus also includes a controller or a CPU 4 (CPU), whichis electrically connected with the receiver and which receives, orreads, whichever the case may be, the signal or signals, or portionsthereof, which are generated by the receiver. The CPU also hasassociated therewith a read only memory device(s) and random accessmemory device(s). The data which is received by the receiver isprocessed by the apparatus.

[0021] The CPU may also have a transmitter associated therewith fortransmitting signals to the transmitter receiver or transceiver. In thismanner, the CPU of the apparatus may respond to a user datatransmission, command, or inquiry with a transmitted signal.

[0022] In the case of vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels andvehicles, aircraft and recreational vehicles (hereinafter referred tocollectively as “vehicles”), the CPU is electrically connected and/orlinked to the vehicle ignition system, which is located externally fromthe apparatus. The CPU may or may not be connected with and/or linked tothe vehicle ignition system through an ignition system interface. TheCPU may transmit signals to, as well as receive signals from, thevehicle ignition system. In this manner, the CPU and the vehicleignition system may exchange information between each other.

[0023] The CPU, upon receiving an appropriate signal from the receiver,and upon the completion of a data processing routine, may issue asuitable signal, to the vehicle ignition system. This signal may be onewhich will disable, re-enable and/or reset the vehicle ignition system.The CPU may also interrogate the ignition system and/or receive datafrom the ignition system which is indicative of ignition system status.

[0024] The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked to thevehicle fuel system which is also located externally from the apparatus.The CPU may or may not be connected with and/or linked to the vehiclefuel system through a fuel system interface. The CPU is capable ofissuing a signal, to disable, re-enable and/or reset the vehicle fuelsystem. The CPU may also interrogate and/or receive data from the fuelsystem which is indicative of fuel system status. The CPU may alsoprovide control over the vehicle exhaust system in a similar fashion orin an analogous manner.

[0025] The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked to atleast one or more of a variety of vehicle equipment systems. The vehicleequipment system or systems are located externally from the apparatusand may or may not be connected and/or linked to the CPU via arespective and/or associated vehicle equipment system or systemsinterface. The vehicle equipment system or systems, which varies foreach type of vehicle (i.e., vehicle, motor vehicle, marine vessel orvehicle, aircraft and/or recreation vehicle) may include, but is notlimited to, an exterior and/or an interior siren or alarm, a horn, avehicle exterior light system(s), a power door lock or other lockingsystem or device, a hood locking system, a video recording device and/ora camera, and/or an audio recording device, for providing surveillanceof the vehicle interior and/or exterior, an intercom system, forproviding communications between vehicle users and/or occupants and theowner, operator and/or authorized individual, cellular or mobile phonesand/or any one or more of the widely known vehicle anti-theft systems,alarm systems and/or stolen vehicle and/or other type of vehiclerecovery systems and/or devices.

[0026] Each of the vehicle equipment systems, if utilized in conjunctionwith the apparatus, may be activated, deactivated, reset or in someother way controlled and/or monitored by the apparatus of the presentinvention. The use of any one or more of the vehicle equipment system orsystems is optional.

[0027] The vehicle equipment system or systems receives signals from theCPU, which signals serve to activate, deactivate, or vice versa,whichever the case may be, the respective vehicle equipment system(s).

[0028] The apparatus may also comprise a vehicle position and locatingdevice which can be utilized in order to determine the position and/orthe location of the vehicle. The vehicle position and locating devicecan be utilized so as to determine the position of the vehicle anywherein the world and provide for the transmission of vehicle position and/orlocation data, via an associated transmitter, to an appropriate systemreceiver so that vehicle position would be available to the owner, userand/or authorized individual and/or so that the vehicle may be locatedand/or tracked and recovered.

[0029] The apparatus may also comprise a vehicle position and locatingsystem receiver, which is employed for receiving and/or processing thedata which is transmitted from the vehicle position and locating device.

[0030] The vehicle position and locating device may comprise apositioning system computer and a global positioning device withassociated global positioning system receiver. The vehicle position andlocating device may also comprise a position data transmitter fortransmitting the vehicle position and/or location data to the vehicleposition system receiver. The vehicle position and locating device mayalso comprise a data base which contains digital and/or digitized mapdata, which can be utilized in order to determine the geographicalposition of the vehicle from the calculated “raw” position data obtainedfrom the global positioning device. In this manner, vehicle positionand/or location on a map may be obtained.

[0031] Vehicle position and/or location data can be transmitted to thevehicle position system receiver which may be located at, or accessibleto, the authorized user or operator and/or authorized individual at anylocation and/or at the location of an authorized office or agency, suchas at a central security office or agency or local or regional lawenforcement office or agency, which is duly authorized to receive thevehicle position and/or location data for the vehicle.

[0032] The vehicle position and locating device may also perform updatedglobal positioning calculations so as to provide for a tracking of avehicle movement. The apparatus may also ascertain vehicle movement bymonitoring and/or tracking vehicle position data as it is updated.

[0033] The vehicle position system receiver may be equipped with anappropriate computer system and a receiver for receiving the datatransmitted by the transmitter of the vehicle position and locatingdevice.

[0034] The vehicle position system receiver may comprise a CPU forcontrolling the operation of the system receiver which CPU is connectedand/or linked to the receiver for receiving and/or for reading thevehicle position and/or location data. The system receiver may alsocomprise a user interface device, a display device, an output device anda database containing digital map data for use in determininggeographical position of a vehicle. The system receiver may alsocomprise a transmitter for sending data and/or signals to the vehicleposition and locating device and/or for transmitting signals to the CPUand/or to the transmitter receiver.

[0035] The system receiver may also be utilized in conjunction with ahome and/or a personal computer and/or other personal communicationsdevice and/or apparatus which may be utilized with an associatedreceiver or equivalent peripheral device(s).

[0036] A home and/or personal computer, and/or other personalcommunications device and/or apparatus may also be utilized forperforming the functions of the transmitter and the vehicle position andlocating system receiver. The apparatus may also be utilized inconjunction with a computer network such as an on-line service and/oron, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web, by employing anappropriate server computer and/or an associated Web Site and/or WebSite technology in conjunction with an appropriate communication medium.

[0037] Upon the occurrence, or the discovery thereof, of the theft of avehicle, or simply in order to monitor vehicle status or location, theauthorized user or operator may activate the apparatus by entering anaccess code into the transmitter or transceiver interface. Entry of avalid access code will activate a signal transmission from thetransmitter or transceiver to access the apparatus.

[0038] The authorized user or operator can then transmit a command codefrom the transmitter or transceiver to the receiver of the apparatus. Ina case when the vehicle has been stolen, the command code may be avehicle disable command code. It should also be noted that a vehiclere-enable or reset command code, or any other suitable command code,monitoring code, etc., which would represent a function or operation tobe performed by the apparatus, may also be entered. The command code isthen transmitted to, and received by, the receiver.

[0039] The command code data is then transmitted to, or read by, the CPUfor command code identification and for further processing, ifnecessary. In this manner, an authorized user or operator, upon learningof the theft of the vehicle, or simply attempting to ascertain thestatus and/or location of the vehicle, may easily access and/or activatethe apparatus by simply “calling up” or transmitting a signal to theapparatus.

[0040] In the case where the motor vehicle has been stolen, and theauthorized user or operator wants to prevent and/or thwart the theft ofthe vehicle and recover the vehicle, the command code which may beentered may be a vehicle disable command code (disable code) which willdisable the vehicle and activate the vehicle position and/or locatingdevice. If the authorized user or operator desires to re-enable thevehicle, such as when the motor vehicle has been found or recovered, soas to render the vehicle re-enabled or operational, the command code tobe entered may be a vehicle re-enable or reset command code.

[0041] If a valid disable code is transmitted to the apparatus, thevehicle position and locating device is activated and various vehiclesystems, including the vehicle ignition system, fuel or fuel pump systemand/or exhaust system, and/or at least one or more of a variety ofutilized vehicle equipment system(s), may either be activated,deactivated, or reset depending upon the circumstances.

[0042] The operation of the vehicle position and locating device mayproceed and continue simultaneously and/or concurrently with theoperation of the apparatus and the CPU. Any one or more of a vehicleequipment systems, including a vehicle alarm and/or homing device mayalso be activated.

[0043] Upon the vehicle being found or recovered, such as in a mannerresulting from utilizing the vehicle position and locating device, theauthorized user or operator may once again access the apparatus byentering a valid access code and by then entering a valid re-enable orreset command code.

[0044] The CPU may then issue a control signal to re-enable or reset thevehicle ignition system, vehicle fuel or fuel pump system and/or exhaustsystem and/or de-activate or re-activate, any one or more of the variousvehicle equipment systems which are utilized. The vehicle positionand/or locating device may also be de-activated.

[0045] Safeguards may be employed in order to prevent a wrong or amis-dialed number or unauthorized transmission(s) from accidentallyaccessing and activating the apparatus, and further, may serve toprevent an unauthorized or an unwanted disabling or re-enabling orsetting or resetting of the vehicle ignition system, the vehicle fuel orfuel pump system and/or the vehicle exhaust system and/or theactivation, de-activation, or resetting of any one or more of thevarious vehicle equipment systems which may be utilized.

[0046] As noted above, a disable command code may cause the apparatus toactivate a vehicle position and locating device which may operatesimultaneously and/or concurrently with, and independently of, theoperation of the apparatus and the CPU. Once activated, the vehicleposition and locating device may activate the global positioning devicewhich calculates vehicle position data by using well known globalpositioning calculation methods and/or techniques.

[0047] Once the vehicle position data has been calculated, the positiondata can then be transmitted to the vehicle position system receiverwhich is located at the location of the authorized user or operator, orat the authorized office, agency or other entity. Geographic positionand/or location data (i.e. street location, location on a map, etc.) forthe vehicle may also be obtained by processing the position and/orlocation data in conjunction with digital map and/or other suitabledata. The transmission of position data may be repeated for apredetermined time interval, after which the global positioning devicemay calculate updated position data.

[0048] The vehicle position data which is received by the vehicleposition system receiver may then be employed to find and/or to recoverthe vehicle. Vehicle position data may be updated, continuously and/orin some other suitable manner, by repeating the global positioningcalculations.

[0049] Vehicle position data, along with updated vehicle position data,may also be utilized in order to track and/or to monitor vehiclemovement. Vehicle position data may also be displayed and/or output foruse in finding and/or recovering the vehicle.

[0050] The authorized user or operator may discontinue operation ofand/or de-activate the global positioning device and/or the vehicleposition system receiver, such as when the vehicle has been found orrecovered and/or at any other time.

[0051] The global positioning device may be utilized to locate and/or totrack vehicle movement anywhere in the world. In this manner, theapparatus of the present invention may be utilized to disable orde-activate vital vehicle systems and/or to find and/or recover a stolenvehicle and/or to monitor vehicle operation and/or vehicle locationand/or movement.

[0052] Further, the present invention provides for an apparatus and amethod for disabling and/or re-enabling various systems of the vehicle,when the vehicle is not in use, simply by “calling up” the apparatus soas to disable the vehicle and, thereby, provide added security againstvehicle theft and/or to prevent damage to the vehicle and/or to anycomponents thereof. In this manner, an authorized user or operator maydisable the vehicle ignition system, fuel or fuel pump system, exhaustsystem and/or any one or more of a variety of the vehicle equipmentsystems, of a vehicle which may be parked and/or in use, from anylocation and/or at any time.

[0053] An authorized user or operator may also access the apparatus atany time and, with the use of an appropriate command code, may determinethe operating status of the vehicle, the apparatus, and/or any one ormore of the various vehicle systems so as to determine if, for example,the ignition system or fuel or fuel pump system is activated or on,thereby alerting the authorized user or operator that someone isoperating the vehicle. An authorized user or operator may also accessthe apparatus so as to determine vehicle position and/or location dataor information and/or the geographic location of the vehicle. In thismanner, the authorized user or operator can determine the status and/orthe location of his or her vehicle at any time and for any reason. Inthis regard, a safe and an effective anti-theft and/or vehicle recoveryapparatus and method is provided by the present invention.

[0054] The apparatus of the present invention may be utilized inconjunction with a multitude and/or a variety of valid command codes,wherein each different command code may selectively disable or re-enableor reset any one or any combination of the vehicle systems, such as thevehicle ignition system, the vehicle fuel or fuel pump system, thevehicle exhaust system and/or any one or more of the various vehicleequipment systems which may be utilized. In this manner, the authorizeduser or operator may utilize the present invention to selectivelydisable, re-enable, de-activate or re-activate any one or more of thevehicle systems, or a combination thereof, at his or her discretion, atany time, and from any location.

[0055] As noted above, an authorized user or operator may also utilizecommand codes for determining status of the apparatus or of the vehicle,or of any one or more of the vehicle systems. A command code may also beemployed to simply determine vehicle position.

[0056] The apparatus may also be programmable by the user or operatorvia the transmitter or transceiver, or at the vehicle, so that certainparameters, such as the timing, and/or the degree of disabling orre-enabling, of the various vehicle systems may be programmed.

[0057] By utilizing a multitude of command codes, including disablecodes and/or re-enable or reset codes, which codes affect differentvehicle systems, or combinations thereof, it is also possible toselectively control the vehicle systems from a remote location. Theapparatus may also be programmed for automatic activation and/orself-activation and/or automatic and/or programmed operation via acommand code(s), so that the apparatus may become activated upon acertain occurrence, or lack thereof, and thereafter, provide for thedisabling and/or the re-enabling of any one or more of the vehiclesystems along with activating the vehicle position and/or locatingdevice. The apparatus may also provide information pertaining to vehicletheft, status and/or position.

[0058] The apparatus may also be designed and/or programmed to detectits unauthorized use and/or its use by an unauthorized individual. Inthis regard, the vehicle is capable of reporting itself as being stolen.

[0059] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, anarming device and an activation device may be utilized in conjunctionwith the apparatus in place of the transmitter/receiver combination soas to provide for an automatic monitoring and/or activation of theapparatus. In such an embodiment, the command code(s) may be a defaultcode and/or be user selected and/or programmable. Automatic activationmay also be programmed by the user or operator via a command code(s)with apparatus operation activated upon the occurrence, or lack thereof,of a specified event.

[0060] In this manner, the arming device/activation device combinationmay be utilized so as to activate the apparatus and/or any one or moreof the vehicle systems, including the ignition system, the fuel or fuelpump system, the exhaust system and/or any one or more of the variousvehicle equipment systems which are utilized in conjunction with theapparatus. The vehicle position and locating device may also beactivated via the automatic activation of the apparatus.

[0061] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, thevehicle position and locating device may comprise a plurality of globalpositioning devices which may be strategically located at various pointsand/or locations in or on the vehicle. Each of the global positioningdevices may be placed at different points and/or locations in, or on,the vehicle, with the distances between each of the respective devicesbeing recorded and stored. Upon the activation of the global positioningdevices and the calculation of each position or location of each device,any change in distance between any two or more of the respective devicescould be utilized in order to determine if the vehicle, or any portionthereof, has been dismantled or structurally altered, at least in part,or possibly to a greater extent.

[0062] The apparatus and the method of the present invention may also beutilized in conjunction with a central security office or agency, suchas a private security service and/or by a local or regional lawenforcement office or agency, in order to provide a prompt means bywhich to report a vehicle theft, provide for a manner in which todisable and/or re-enable a vehicle or vehicle system, and to determinevehicle position and/or location so as to facilitate the locating andthe recovery of the vehicle. In this regard, the present invention maybe utilized so as to allow control, monitoring and/or security functionsto be exercised and/or performed by an authorized third party. Thepresent invention may also be utilized so as to provide for a prompt lawenforcement theft reporting, law enforcement response to the theftreport and recovery of the vehicle.

[0063] An authorized user or operator may register their vehicle andapparatus with a central security office or agency such as byregistering vehicle identification information along with vehicle accessand command code data and any other pertinent information. Upon theoccurrence of a vehicle theft, or the discovery thereof, the authorizeduser or operator can access the apparatus so as to exercise and/or toperform control, monitoring and/or security functions over same while,at the same time, allowing for a control, monitoring and/or a securityfunction to be exercised and/or performed by the central security officeor other entity.

[0064] The apparatus, which is utilized at the central security officeand/or other entity, may have the same control capabilities over thevehicle as that of the apparatus utilized in the vehicle. In thisregard, status of the apparatus, the vehicle, any one or more of thevarious vehicle systems, and/or the vehicle position and/or locationdata may be obtained by the apparatus located at the central securityoffice and/or other entity.

[0065] The apparatus which is utilized at the central security officemay also be utilized in connection with an on-line service and/or on, orover, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web so as to provide for ameans by which the authorized user or operator may utilize the apparatusin conjunction with a home and/or a personal computer and/or acommercial or industrial computer system (i.e., an internet servercomputer) and/or any other appropriate device.

[0066] In another embodiment, an access code may be only transmitted to,and received by, the central security office apparatus and the vehiclemay be accessed and controlled via an access and command code(s) whichare transmitted by and from the central security office apparatus.Transmitter devices may also be located in the vehicle so as or to allowa vehicle occupant(s) to transmit signals directly to the centralsecurity office and/or agency and/or central equipment, (i.e.,satellite, cellular communications site etc.) such as in instances wherehelp may be required and/or in emergency situations.

[0067] In yet another embodiment, the access code may only betransmitted to, and received at, the vehicle. In this embodiment, theapparatus which is located in the vehicle may then transmit data to theapparatus located at the central security office thereby alerting thecentral security office or agency of the vehicle theft or statusinquiry. The apparatus at the central security office may thereafterexercise and/or provide control over and/or monitor the functions of,the vehicle apparatus for a plurality of vehicles. Further, the centralsecurity office apparatus may also provide the means by which to allow acentral security office or local or regional law enforcement office oragency to provide security monitoring over the vehicle(s) which areregistered therewith.

[0068] In the case were the apparatus may be automatically activated,the vehicle apparatus may transmit a signal, indicative of vehicle theftand/or an unauthorized use or operation of the vehicle, to the centralsecurity office apparatus thereby reporting the unauthorized use oroperation, or theft, of the vehicle before the authorized user oroperator is able to discover same.

[0069] The central security office apparatus may also be utilized so asto verify and/or monitor apparatus accessing and/or activation by theauthorized user or operator. The authorized user or operator may also“call” the central security office from any location, via anycommunication means and/or device in order to determine the statusand/or the whereabouts or location of his or her vehicle. Both thevehicle apparatus and the central security office apparatus can exerciseand/or perform the same control, monitoring and/or security functionsover the vehicle.

[0070] The present invention can also be utilized, in a similar and/oranalogous manner, to provide control, monitoring and/or security forboats, marine vessels, airplanes and aircraft, and/or recreationalvehicles of any kind or type.

[0071] In still another embodiment, the present invention may beutilized in conjunction with a residential premises, residentialbuilding and/or a home and/or a household control, monitoring and/orsecurity system.

[0072] In the case where the present invention is utilized inconjunction with a residential premises, residential building and/or ahome and/or a household control, monitoring and security system, the CPUmay be electrically connected and/or linked to the home and/or householdelectrical system, which is located externally from the apparatus. TheCPU may or may not be connected with and/or linked to the homeelectrical system through an electrical system interface. The CPU maytransmit signals to, as well as receive signals from, the homeelectrical system. In this manner, the CPU and the home electricalsystem, may exchange information between each other.

[0073] The CPU, upon receiving an appropriate signal from the receiver,and upon the completion of the requisite data processing routine mayissue an electrical, an electronic, and/or any other suitable signal,including a digital command signal, to the home electrical system. Thiselectrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal or digital commandsignal may be one which will disable, re-enable or reset the homeelectrical system. The CPU may also interrogate the electrical systemand/or receive data from the electrical system which is indicative ofelectrical system status (i.e., whether the electrical system is on oroff and/or to what extent certain portions thereof may be on or off).

[0074] The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked to thehome heating system which is also located externally from the apparatus.The CPU may or may not be connected with and/or linked to the homeheating system through a heating system interface. The CPU is capable ofissuing an electrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal,including a digital signal, to disable or to re-enable the home heatingsystem. The CPU may also interrogate and/or receive data from the homeheating system which is indicative of home heating system status (i.e.,whether the heating system is on or off and/or to what extent certainportions thereof may be on or off).

[0075] The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked to thehome air conditioning system which is also located externally from theapparatus. The CPU may or may not be connected with and/or linked to thehome air conditioning system through an air conditioning systeminterface. The CPU is capable of issuing an electrical, electronicand/or other suitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable orto re-enable the home air conditioning system. The CPU may alsointerrogate and/or receive data from the home air conditioning systemwhich is indicative of home air conditioning system status (i.e.,whether the air conditioning system is on or off and/or to what extentcertain portions thereof may be on or off).

[0076] The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked to thehome water system which is also located externally from the apparatus.The CPU may or may not be connected and/or linked to the home watersystem through a home water system interface (i.e., electrical shut-offvalve). The CPU is capable of issuing an electrical, electronic and/orother suitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable or tore-enable the home water system. The CPU may also interrogate and/orreceive data from the home water system which is indicative of the watersystem status (i.e., whether the home water system or any portionthereof is on or off).

[0077] The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked to thehome thermostat or environmental control system so as to control andmonitor interior temperature. In this manner, the home thermostat systemmay then be adjusted and/or controlled by the user or operator via theapparatus. The home thermostat system may be connected to the homeheating system and/or to the home air conditioning system so as toactivate, set and/or control the operation of these systems so as toachieve the desired temperature and/or environmental conditions in thehome.

[0078] The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked, viainterfaces if needed, to any one or more of a variety of home equipmentsystems which may include a home anti-theft and/or burglary alarmsystem, an interior and/or exterior siren or alarm, interior and/orexterior lighting systems, electrical and/or electronically controlledlocking devices for doors and/or windows, including electrical and/orelectronic dead bolt locks and/or other types of locking devices,electrical systems and devices for controlling electrical circuits orsystems room-by-room, device-by-device, and/or appliance-by-appliance.

[0079] The home equipment system may also include devices forcontrolling any one or more of the electrical circuitry, such ascircuits controlled by fuses, circuit breakers or equivalent devices,devices for controlling and/or monitoring hot water heater(s), garagedoor opener(s), lawn sprinkler system(s), electric fences and/orfencing, in-ground or above-ground pool equipment, filters and/orheaters, home water valves, individual room water valves, home firedetector equipment and home fire extinguishment equipment, jacuzzis, hottubs, pet feeders and/or any other electrical and/or electronic devicesand/or appliances and/or those devices and/or appliances which may beelectrically and/or electronically controllable. Home equipment systemsmay door and window closing, opening and locking devices.

[0080] The home equipment systems may also include any and all homeappliances such as televisions, telephones, telephone answeringmachines, VCRs, stoves, ovens, microwave ovens, door bells, individuallights or lamps, blenders, toasters, irons, computers, word processors,stereos, radios, and any other home appliance and/or devices which maybe electrically and/or electronically activated and/or controllable.

[0081] The home equipment systems may also include video recordingequipment, which may include video recording device(s) and/or acamera(s), such as those utilized in conjunction with personalcomputers, televisions, digital televisions, interactive televisions,surveillance systems, display telephones and/or other communicationdevices, including personal communication devices.

[0082] The video recording device(s) and/or camera(s) may be digitalrecording devices or cameras or other suitable video recording and/orphotography equipment. The video recording device(s) and/or camera(s)may be located at any location on and in the interior and/or at theexterior of the home or premises and may have associated therewithtransmitting devices for transmitting the recorded video orphotograph(s) to the owner or occupant and/or other authorizedindividual so as to provide surveillance and/or monitoring capabilitiesfor the home and/or premises.

[0083] The home equipment system may also include audio recordingequipment, which may include microphones and/or tape recorders, such asthose utilized in conjunction with personal computers, televisions,digital televisions, interactive televisions, display telephones and/orother communication devices, including personal communication devices.

[0084] The audio recording device(s) may have a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system associated therewith for transmitting audioinformation to the owner or occupant and/or authorized individual so asto provide for the monitoring and/or the surveillance of the interiorand/or the exterior of the home.

[0085] The home equipment systems may also include an intercom system ordevice or telephone, cellular, digital or otherwise, for providing ameans by which to allow the user or operator, or other authorizedindividual, to communicate with the persons present in, or occupants of,the home or the premises. The home equipment systems may also includemonitoring device(s) for reading and/or monitoring the home fuel supply,gas meter and/or gas usage, water supply, water meter and/or waterusage, electrical generator and/or alternator operation, electricitymeter and/or electricity usage, heat and/or air conditioning usage, gasand/or oil or other fuel supply and/or usage, telephone usage, applianceusage, etc., a home control system and/or any other home operationand/or system function.

[0086] The monitoring device(s) may have associated therewith atransceiver or transmitter/receiver system for transmitting data and/orinformation recorded and/or read by the monitoring device(s) to the useror operator and for receiving signals such as, for example, controlsignals, by which the user or operator may exercise control over themonitoring device(s). The monitoring devices and the correspondingdevices which they monitor may be linked via wireless devices and/orover a wireless medium.

[0087] When used in conjunction with a residential premises, residentialbuilding and/or home or household system, the apparatus and method ofthe present invention may be utilized and/or operates in the same or ina similar and/or analogous manner as it is utilized and/or operates inconjunction with vehicles so as to provide control, monitoring and/orsecurity functions for and over a home and/or residential premises. Inthis manner, a homeowner or occupant may access a home system at anytime, and from any location, and thereby exercise and/or providecontrol, monitoring and/or security functions over any home system,equipment, device and/or appliance. The owner or occupant may alsomonitor the status, state, or operation of any home system, equipment,device and/or appliance. Lastly, the owner or occupant may exerciseand/or perform security related functions or operations on, and over,the home system, equipment, device and/or appliance.

[0088] In still another embodiment, the apparatus and method of thepresent invention may be utilized in conjunction with a commercialbuilding, commercial office and/or commercial premises control,monitoring and/or security system. In the case where the presentinvention is utilized in conjunction with a commercial building,commercial office and/or commercial premises control, monitoring and/orsecurity system, the CPU may be electrically connected and/or linked tothe commercial office and/or premises electrical system, heating system,air-conditioning system, water system, thermostat system, and/or to atleast any one or more of a variety of commercial office and/or premisesequipment systems, which may include an anti-theft and/or burglary alarmsystem, an interior and/or exterior siren or alarm, interior and/orexterior lighting and/or lighting system(s), electrical and/orelectronically controlled locking devices for doors and/or windows,including electrical and/or electronic deadbolt locks and/or lockingdevices.

[0089] The CPU may also be connected and/or linked to commercial officeand/or premises equipment systems which include electrical systems forcontrolling electrical circuits or systems room-by-room,device-by-device, and/or appliance-by-appliance, devices for controllingany one or more of the electrical circuitry, such as circuits controlledby fuses, circuit breakers or equivalent devices, devices forcontrolling and/or monitoring hot water heaters, garage door openers,lawn sprinkler systems, electric fences and/or fencing, in-ground orabove-ground pool and/or fountain equipment, filters and/or heaters,fire detector equipment, fire extinguishment equipment, and officeequipment, power door and/or window closing, opening and lockingequipment and any other electrical and/or electronic device or item orany device and/or item which is electrically or electronicallycontrollable.

[0090] The commercial office and/or premises equipment systems may alsoinclude any and all commercial office and/or premises appliances such astelevisions, telephones, telephone answering machines, alarm systems,VCRs, stoves, ovens, microwave ovens, door bells, individual lights orlamps, office equipment and appliances, computer and associatedperipherals, word processors, stereos, radios, manufacturing equipmentand any other commercial office and/or premises equipment.

[0091] The commercial office and/or premises equipment system may alsoinclude a video recording equipment, which may include video recordingdevice(s) and/or a camera(s), such as those utilized in conjunction withpersonal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactivetelevisions, display telephones and/or other communication devices,including personal communication devices, and/or a still picturecamera(s). The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may be digitalrecording devices or cameras or other suitable devices or cameras,including typical video recording devices or cameras for providing videorecording and/or surveillance.

[0092] The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may have a transceiveror transmitter/receiver system associated therewith for transmittingvideo images and/or photographs, recorded by the video recordingdevice(s) or camera(s), to the owner or occupant and/or authorizedindividual so as to provide for the monitoring and/or the surveillanceof the interior and/or the exterior of the commercial office and/orpremises.

[0093] The commercial office and/or premises equipment system may alsoinclude audio recording equipment, which may include microphones and/ortape recorders, such as those utilized in conjunction with personalcomputers, televisions, digital televisions, interactive televisions,display telephones and/or other communication devices, includingpersonal communication devices.

[0094] The audio recording device(s) may have a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system associated therewith for transmitting audioinformation to the owner or occupant and/or authorized individual so asto provide for the monitoring and/or the surveillance of the interiorand/or the exterior of the commercial office and/or premises.

[0095] The commercial office and/or premises equipment system may alsoinclude an intercom system or device or telephone, cellular, digital orotherwise, for providing a means by which to allow the owner oroccupant, or other authorized individual, to communicate with thepersons present in, or occupants of, the commercial office and/orpremises. The commercial office and/or premises equipment system mayalso include monitoring device(s) for reading and/or monitoring thecommercial office and/or premises fuel supply, fuel usage, water supply,water usage, electricity meter, electricity usage, electrical generatorand/or alternator operation, heat and/or air conditioning usage, gasand/or oil or other fuel usage, telephone usage, commercial officeand/or premises equipment and/or appliance usage, etc., and/orcommercial office and/or premises control system and/or any othercommercial office and/or premises operation and/or system function.

[0096] The monitoring device(s) may have associated therewith atransceiver or transmitter/receiver system for transmitting data and/orinformation recorded and/or read by the monitoring device(s) to the useror operator and for receiving signals such as, for example, controlsignals, by which the user or operator may exercise control over themonitoring device(s). The monitoring devices and the correspondingequipment and/or devices to be monitored may be linked via wirelessdevices and/or over wireless communication systems.

[0097] The commercial office and/or premises equipment system or systemsreceives signals from the CPU, which signals serve to activate orde-activate, or vice versa, whichever the case may be, the respectivecommercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) which are utilizedin conjunction with the apparatus.

[0098] When utilized in conjunction with a commercial office and/orpremises, the apparatus and method of the present invention is utilizedand/or operates in the same, or in a similar and/or analogous, manner asit is utilized and/or operates in conjunction with vehicles and/or withresidential premises, etc., so as to allow control, monitoring and/orsecurity functions to be exercised and/or performed on, and over, acommercial office and/or premises.

[0099] In this manner, an owner, occupant and/or authorized individualmay access a commercial office and/or premises system at any time andfrom any location and thereby exercise and/or perform control,monitoring and/or security functions over any commercial office and/orpremises system, equipment, device and/or appliance. The owner, occupantor authorized individual may also monitor the status, state or operationof any commercial office and/or premises system, equipment, deviceand/or appliance.

[0100] In any of the above described embodiments, the present inventionmay be utilized in conjunction with any suitable communication device(s)and/or communication system(s). In this manner, the present inventionmay be utilized in conjunction with a telephone, a touch tone telephone,a cordless telephone and/or a cellular or mobile telephone, a homeand/or a personal computer having associated telecommunication devicesor other suitable peripheral device(s) such as a modem and/or afax/modem, personal communication devices which can operate over anappropriate telecommunications system, and/or other suitablecommunications systems and/or mediums, including radio signal, optical,satellite and/or other communications systems and/or mediums. Anysuitable communication system and/or medium may be utilized.

[0101] Personal communication service (PCS) systems and devices,including stationary, portable and/or hand-held devices, may also beutilized. Digital signal communications devices and systems may also beutilized. Interactive and/or digital televisions, personal communicationdevices, personal communication services (PCS) devices, personal digitalassistants, cellular telephones, display telephones, display cellulartelephones and electronically equipped watches and/or other devicesand/or effects may also be utilized for performing user interactivecontrol, monitoring and/or security functions in conjunction with thepresent invention.

[0102] The interface devices utilized in any of the various embodimentof the present invention may be wireless devices or modules which neednot be directly connected to the CPU or to its respective equipmentsystem in a hard-wired manner. In this regard, hard-wired electricalconnections may be unnecessary. In the case of wireless interfacedevices or modules, corresponding wireless technology and/or systemsshould be utilized in order to provide for the wireless control and/oroperation of the respective equipment(s).

[0103] The present invention can be utilized to access, monitor, and/orrecord or store, operation data and/or information for any of theherein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels,airplanes, aircraft, and/or recreational vehicles, at a location remotefrom the respective vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels,airplanes, aircraft, and/or recreational vehicles. The present inventioncan be utilized to access, monitor, and/or record or store, operationdata and/or information for any of the herein-described residentialpremises and/or commercial premises. Any of the respective operationdata and/or information can be obtained at, and/or stored at, any of thetransmitters, home and/or personal computers, computers, and/or servercomputers, described herein.

[0104] The apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilizedin a network environment in conjunction with a server, a servercomputer, and/or any suitable central processing computer.

[0105] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any of theserver, server computer, or computer, and/or any of the home and/orpersonal computers or communication devices described herein and/orutilized in conjunction with the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can comprise and/or can be implemented with any number ofcomputers or computer systems. In this regard, any of the server, servercomputer, or computer, and/or any of the home and/or personal computersor communication devices can be a single computer or computer system orcan be comprised of, or can include, a plurality (i.e. two or more)computers or computer systems. In this manner, the server, servercomputer, or computer, and/or any of the home and/or personal computersor communication devices, can be comprised of, and/or can be implementedby utilizing, any number of computers or computer systems.

[0106] The server, server computer, or computer, and/or any of the homeand/or personal computers or communication devices can also be comprisedof, or can include, any number of computers and/or computer systems andcan also include any number of transmitters, receivers, and/or otherhardware devices and/or peripheral devices.

[0107] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any of thereceivers or transmitters associated with and/or utilized in conjunctionwith a server, server computer, or computer, and/or any of the homeand/or personal computers or communication devices, described herein,can be or can include any number of receivers or transmitters,respectively.

[0108] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providea control, monitoring and/or security, apparatus and method.

[0109] It is another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security, apparatus and method for any one ormore of vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft,recreational vehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises.

[0110] It is still another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security, apparatus and method for any one ormore of vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft,recreational vehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises,which can provide for the remote control, monitoring and/or accessing,of the respective vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles,aircraft, recreational vehicles, residential premises and/or commercialpremises.

[0111] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method which providesfor the selective control, activation and/or de-activation and/or forthe programmed control of any one or more of an ignition system, a fuelsystem, an exhaust system and/or any one or more of various equipmentsystems of, and for, vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels andvehicles, aircraft and/or recreational vehicles.

[0112] It is another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method which providesfor the selective control, activation and/or deactivation and/or for theprogrammed control of any one or more of an electrical system, heatingsystem, water system, air conditioning system, thermostat system and/orany one or more of the various systems, equipment systems, devicesand/or appliances, etc., of, and for, residential premises and/orcommercial premises.

[0113] It is another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method which isutilized in conjunction with a global positioning system or otherpositioning system and which provides for a determination of theposition and/or location of, and for, vehicles, motor vehicles, marinevessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residentialpremises and/or commercial premises.

[0114] It is another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method which providesprogramming, information gathering, and monitoring capabilities for, andregarding, the status of and/or the operating state(s) of varioussystems of, and for, vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels andvehicles, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residential premises and/orcommercial premises.

[0115] It is still another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method for vehicles,motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreationalvehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises which isutilized in conjunction with a home and/or a personal computer, atelephone, a display telephone, a cellular telephone, a television, aninteractive television, a digital television, a personal digitalassistant and/or a personal communications services device and/or otherpersonal communications devices.

[0116] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method for vehicles,motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreationalvehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises which may beutilized, operated and/or controlled via, over, or with, an on-lineservice, and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web.

[0117] It is still another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method for vehicles,motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreationalvehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises which providesfor an automatic activation, self-activation and/or programmedactivation of the apparatus.

[0118] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method for vehicles,motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreationalvehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises which isutilized in conjunction with wireless devices and/or systems and/or withwireless communication technology.

[0119] It is still another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method for vehicles,motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreationalvehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises which isutilized in conjunction with a central security office and/or agency.

[0120] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method for vehicles,motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreationalvehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises which isutilized in conjunction with a central security office and/or agencyand/or with, or over, an on-line service and/or on, or over, theInternet and/or the World Wide Web and/or other information structure,infra-structure, system and/or communication system or medium.

[0121] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method which isprogrammable and which may be programmed for self-activation and/orprogrammed operation.

[0122] It is another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method which providesvideo conferencing with individuals and/or occupants of any of thevehicles, boats, marine vessels, airplanes, residential premises, and/orcommercial premises described herein.

[0123] It is still another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method which cancontrol and/or monitor fuel cells, fuel cell operation, fuels cellelectrical power output, fuel cell fuel supply level, or fuel cellby-product output.

[0124] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method which canfacilitate the monitoring of the status, operating status, and/orcondition, of any of the vehicles and/or premises described hereinand/or any of the systems, components, and/or devices of any of therespective vehicles and/or premises described herein.

[0125] It is another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method whichfacilitates the transmitting of data and/or information recorded and/orread by the monitoring device(s) to the user or operator of therespective vehicle and/or premises.

[0126] It is still another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method whichfacilitates the receiving of signals and/or control signals by which theuser or operator may exercise control over the respective vehicle,premises, and/or monitoring device(s) associated therewith.

[0127] It is still another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method whichfacilitates the detection of failures in any of the vehicles and/orpremises, and/or any of the respective equipment systems describedherein.

[0128] It is another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method whichfacilitates the reporting of a failure(s) of any of the systems,equipment systems, devices, components, and/or appliances utilized inconjunction with the vehicles and/or premises described herein, to anindividual, a central processing computer, and/or a centralized office.

[0129] It is another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method whichfacilitates the utilization of a command computer in conjunction withcontrolling, monitoring, and/or providing diagnostics for, any of thesystems, equipment systems, devices, components, and/or appliancesutilized in conjunction with the vehicles and/or premises describedherein.

[0130] It is another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method whichfacilitates the use of a command computer for controlling and/ormonitoring the operating status and/or condition of a respective system,equipment system, subsystem, component, device, and/or appliance, of anyof the vehicles and/or premises described herein.

[0131] It is another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method which providesdiagnostic information for any of the systems, components, and/ordevices, of and/or associated with any of the vehicles and/or premisesdescribed herein.

[0132] It is another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method whichfacilitates the monitoring of wear and/or usage of any of theherein-described electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/orelectromechanical, systems, devices, and/or components of and/orassociated with any of the vehicles and/or premises described herein.

[0133] It is another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method whichfacilitates the controlling and/or the monitoring vehicle systems and/orpremises systems and/or any systems, devices, and/or components ofand/or associated with the respective vehicles and/or premises.

[0134] It is another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method whichfacilitates the control of the movement, the motion or the operation ofany of the vehicles and/or premises and/or any of the systems, devicesand/or components of and/or associated with the respective vehiclesand/or premises.

[0135] It is another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring, and/or security, apparatus and method whichprovides for the remote accessing of operation data for any one or moreof the herein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels,airplanes, aircraft, and/or recreational vehicles.

[0136] It is still another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring, and/or security, apparatus and method whichprovides for the remote accessing, obtaining, or storage, of operationdata for any one or more of the herein-described vehicles, motorvehicles, boats, marine vessels, airplanes, aircraft, and/orrecreational vehicles.

[0137] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring, and/or security, apparatus and method whichprovides for the remote accessing of operation data for any one or moreof the herein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels,airplanes, aircraft, and/or recreational vehicles, by any appropriatecomputer and/or communication device, in a network environment.

[0138] It is another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring, and/or security, apparatus and method whichprovides for the remote accessing, obtaining, or storage, of operationdata for any one or more of the herein-described vehicles, motorvehicles, boats, marine vessels, airplanes, aircraft, and/orrecreational vehicles, by any appropriate computer and/or communicationdevice, in a network environment.

[0139] It is another object of the present invention to provide acontrol, monitoring, and/or security, apparatus and method whichprovides for the remote accessing, obtaining, or storage, of operationdata for any one or more of the herein-described residential premisesand/or commercial premises.

[0140] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will beapparent to those individuals skilled in the art upon a review of theDescription Of The Preferred Embodiment taken in conjunction with theDrawings which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0141] In the Drawings:

[0142]FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the apparatus which is thesubject of the present invention;

[0143]FIG. 2 illustrates the vehicle position and locating device ofFIG. 1 illustrating the main components thereof in block diagram form;

[0144]FIG. 3 illustrates the vehicle position and locating systemreceiver of FIG. 1 illustrating the components thereof in block diagramform;

[0145]FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system which isutilized in another preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 for performing thefunctions of, and for, the transmitter and the vehicle position andlocating system receiver of the apparatus of the present invention;

[0146]FIG. 5A illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 1 wherein the computerof FIG. 4 is utilized in another preferred embodiment in order toreplace and to perform the functions of the transmitter and the vehicleposition and locating system receiver of the apparatus of the presentinvention.

[0147]FIG. 5B illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatusof the present invention wherein the apparatus is utilized inconjunction with an on-line service and/or on, or over, the Internetand/or the World Wide Web;

[0148]FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate flow diagrams illustrating thepreferred embodiment operational steps and/or sequences of operation ofthe apparatus and the method of the present invention;

[0149]FIG. 7 illustrates the preferred embodiment operation, in flowdiagram form, of the vehicle position and locating device which isutilized in the apparatus of the present invention;

[0150]FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the preferred embodiment operation, inflow diagram form, of the vehicle position system receiver which isutilized in the apparatus of the present invention;

[0151]FIG. 9 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention wherein an arming device and an activation device are utilizedin conjunction with, and for, an automatic activation of the apparatusof the present invention;

[0152]FIG. 10 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the vehicleposition and locating device which includes a plurality of globalpositioning devices and corresponding global positioning receivers;

[0153]FIG. 11A illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the apparatus is utilized in conjunction with acentral security office or agency;

[0154]FIG. 11B illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention wherein the apparatus of FIG. 11A is utilized inconjunction with an on-line service and/or on, or over, the Internetand/or the World Wide Web.

[0155]FIG. 12 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein the apparatus and method is utilized in conjunctionwith a boat;

[0156]FIG. 13 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein the apparatus and method is utilized in conjunctionwith an airplane;

[0157]FIG. 14 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the apparatus is utilized in conjunction with asnowmobile;

[0158]FIG. 15 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the apparatus and method is utilized in conjunctionwith a home or residential premises control system; and

[0159]FIG. 16 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the apparatus and method is utilized in conjunctionwith a commercial office and/or premises control system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0160] The present invention pertains to a control, monitoring, and/orsecurity, apparatus and method and, in particular, to a control,monitoring and/or security apparatus and method for exercising and/orproviding control, monitoring and/or security, vehicles, motor vehicles,marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreational vehicles,residential premises, commercial premises, structures and/or equipment,in a network environment.

[0161] The terms “individual”, “owner”, “user”, “operator”, “occupant”,and/or the plural of same, refer to any individual, individuals, owner,owners, user, users, operator, operators, occupant, and/or occupants, ofany of the herein-described vehicle, boats, marine vessels, airplanes,aircraft, residential premises, commercial premises, and/or any of thesystems, subsystems, devices, components thereof, as well as refer toany of the individuals, entities, parties, and/or users, of theapparatus and/or method of the present invention and/or any of thecomputers, processing devices, and/or communication devices, describedherein as being utilized in conjunction with the preset invention and/orwhich form a component of the present invention. Further, any of theterms “individual”, “owner”, “user”, “operator”, “occupant”, and/or theplural of same, can be used interchangeably.

[0162] Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subjectmatter and teachings of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.60/187,735. Applicant also hereby incorporates by reference herein thesubject matter and teachings of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSerial No. 60/190,379. Applicant hereby incorporates by reference hereinthe subject matter and teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,917,405. Applicantalso incorporates by reference herein the subject matter and teachingsof U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,244.

[0163]FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the apparatus which is thesubject of the present invention and which is denoted generally by thereference numeral 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 includesa transmitter system 2, for transmitting an electrical, an electronic,an electromagnetic or other suitable signal, upon an activation by amotor vehicle owner or authorized user or operator, hereinafter referredto collectively as the “authorized user or operator”.

[0164] While the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment isdirected to a motor vehicle and, in particular, to an automobile, theterm “motor vehicle” includes, but is not limited to, automobiles,trucks, buses, school buses, trains, subway trains, mass transportationvehicles, tractor trailers, construction equipment, equipment, mobilestructures, mobile and/or moveable industrial and/or commercial and/orequipment, structures and/or work platforms, mining equipment, drillingequipment, drilling platforms, farm equipment, commercial vehicles,recreational vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, motor and/ormobile homes, etc. Any of the above noted vehicles may be manned and/orunmanned and may also include law enforcement and/or military vehiclesand/or equipment. The present invention may also be utilized in marinevehicles and/or vessels, boats, ships, aircraft, airplanes, jets,submersible and/or underwater vehicles and/or vessels, space vehiclesand/or vessels and satellites, all of which may be manned and/orunmanned. The present invention may also be employed in conjunction withgasoline, diesel, alternate fuel and/or electrically powered and/orpropelled vehicles.

[0165] In the preferred embodiment, the transmitter system 2 consists ofa user interface device 2A and a transmitting device or transmitter 2B.The transmitter 2 also has a receiver 2C for receiving signals as willbe described below. In this regard, the transmitter/receiver combinationmay also be implemented by utilizing a transceiver. The user interfacedevice 2A provides the means by which the authorized user or operatormay access or activate the apparatus 1, as well as the means by whichthe authorized user or operator may enter access and/or command codesinto the transmitter system 2. The transmitter 2B transmits a signal, inresponse to the authorized user or operator accessing or activating theapparatus 1. The user interface device 2A also includes a device (notshown) for providing an audio and/or a video indication of systemoperation and/or status as well as providing information indicative ofdata received by the receiver 2C.

[0166] The transmitter system 2 is a remote system, which is notphysically connected to the remainder of the apparatus 1. Further, thetransmitter system 2, in the preferred embodiment, is not located in themotor vehicle, but rather, is located external from, and separate andapart from, the motor vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, thetransmitter system 2 or transceiver, is designed to be capable oftransmitting signals over long distances, i.e. tens, hundreds, and/orthousands of miles or farther. The transmitter system 2 or transceiver,in the preferred embodiment, is also capable of transmitting a multitudeof signals. As will be described below, this capability to transmit amultitude of signals allows for the transmission of a variety of commandcodes, and of multiple command codes, to the apparatus 1, which in turn,provides for an apparatus which may provide for a multitude of responsesin the control and operation thereof.

[0167] In the preferred embodiment, the transmitter system 2 ortransceiver is a touch tone telephone which may be a line-connectedtelephone, a cordless telephone and/or a cellular or mobile telephone.As described hereinafter, the transmitter system 2 may also be a homeand/or a personal computer, having associated telecommunication devicesor other suitable peripheral device(s) such as a modem and/or afax/modem, or other personal communication device, which can operateover an appropriate telecommunications system, and/or other suitablecommunications systems, including radio signal, optical, satelliteand/or other communications systems. The communications system utilizedmay operate anywhere in the electromagnetic and/or radio spectrum. Inthis regard, personal communication service (PCS) systems and devices,including stationary, portable and/or hand-held devices, may also beutilized. Digital signal communications devices and systems may also beutilized. Interactive and/or digital televisions, personal communicationdevices, personal communication services (PCS) devices, personal digitalassistants, cellular telephones, display telephones, video telephones,display cellular telephones and electronically equipped watches and/orother devices and/or effects or accessories may also be utilized foruser interactive and/or display or output applications and/or functions.

[0168] Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subjectmatter of U.S. Pat. No. 5,081,667 which teaches a system for integratinga cellular telephone with a vehicle security system. Applicant alsohereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter of U.S. Pat.No. 5,276,728 which teaches a remotely activated automobile disablingsystem. Applicant further hereby incorporates by reference herein thesubject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 5,113,427 which teaches a radio signalresponsive vehicle device control system, and further, use of a personalpaging unit in a paging system for receiving a radio signal. Applicantalso hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter of U.S.Pat. No. 4,882,746, which teaches a cordless telephone system. Applicantfurther hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter ofU.S. Pat. No. 5,138,649 which teaches a portable telephone handset withremote control. Applicant further hereby incorporates by referenceherein the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,126 which teaches anemergency alert and security apparatus and method.

[0169] Referring once again to FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 also includes areceiver 3, for receiving the signals which are transmitted by thetransmitter system 2. The receiver 3 may be any receiver which iscapable of receiving the remote electrical, electronic, electromagnetic,and/or other signals, which may be transmitted by the transmitter system2. In the preferred embodiment, the receiver 3 is also capable ofreceiving any of a wide variety of signals, and/or multitude of signals,which may be transmitted by the transmitter system 2.

[0170] The transmitter system 2/receiver 3 combination, of the apparatus1 is implemented, in the preferred embodiment, by a telephone/telephonebeeper or pager system which systems and related techniques are wellknown in the telecommunications art. In such a telephone/telephonebeeper or pager system, the transmitter 2 can be any touch-tonetelephone which provides a user interface, in the form of the touch-tonekeypad or buttons, or the like, for entering a data code or sequence,and which may provide a means by which to transmit a signal, in responseto the entered data, to an appropriate receiver device which istypically a telephone beeper or pager which may be serviced by anappropriate communications system or service.

[0171] The receiver 3 or beeper or pager, or the communication systemwhich services same, in turn, provides an indication, in the form of asignal transmission, back to the transmitter 2 and, in particular, tothe transmitter receiver 2C, which signifies that a signal has beenreceived by the apparatus 1. The receiver 3 also generates data which isindicative of the signal, or a portion thereof, which has been received.In this regard, in the preferred embodiment, the receiver 3 is providedwith its own transmitter 3A, or the communication system or servicewhich services the receiver 3 may provide a transmitter (not shown) asmay be the case with certain pager systems, such as and includingtwo-way pager systems, for transmitting signals back to the transmittersystem 2. The receiver 3/transmitter 3A combination, in appropriatecases, may be replaced with and/or implemented by a transceiver. Thereceiver 3 and/or receiver 3/transmitter 3A combination or transceivermay also be a cellular and/or mobile telephone which can receive andtransmit signals at and from a mobile location.

[0172] It should be noted that the telephone/telephone beeper or pagersystem, including two-way pager systems, may be replaced with any othertype of transmitter/receiver combination, electronic or otherwise, whichprovides for the transmission and reception of a multitude of remoteelectrical, electronic, electromagnetic, and/or other suitable signals,over long distances and/or in a mobile and/or a wireless communicationsenvironment. As noted above, a personal computer system which may beadapted to such operation, or a personal communication device(s) orpersonal communication services (PCS) device(s) may also be utilizedfor, or in, any of the transmitter/receiver system combinationsdescribed herein. Two way pagers may also be utilized for any, or inany, of the transmitter/receiver system combinations described herein.

[0173] In the preferred embodiment, upon receiving the signal, thereceiver 3, generates a distinct signal which may be a digital, anelectrical, an electronic and/or an electromagnetic or other suitablesignal, which signal is indicative of the signal transmitted from thetransmitter 2B of the transmitter system 2 and received by the receiver3.

[0174] At least a portion of the signal transmitted from the transmittersystem 2 to the receiver 3 may include a valid access code, whichaccesses the receiver 3, and the apparatus 1, which access code servesto provide for security measures which may be taken in conjunction withthe use of the apparatus 1.

[0175] The apparatus 1 also includes a controller or a CPU 4 (CPU) 4,which is electrically connected with the receiver 3 and transmitter 3Aand which receives, or reads, whichever the case may be, the digitalsignal or signals, or portions thereof, which are received by thereceiver 3 and/or generated by the receiver 3 in response to thereceived signal. The CPU 4 may be any type of digital processing device.In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is implemented by amicroprocessor. The CPU 4 also has associated therewith a read onlymemory device (ROM) 5 and a random access memory device (RAM) 6 forstoring data which is utilized by the apparatus 1. The data which isreceived by the receiver 3 is processed by the apparatus 1 in the mannerdescribed below.

[0176] The use of a microprocessor as the CPU 4 provides for versatilityin apparatus programmability, as well as facilitates an apparatus whichcan be made as small in size as possible. The CPU 4 may also beimplemented by a microcomputer, a mini-computer, or any other digitalcomputer device or system, along with the requisite associated memorydevices and other necessary and/or selected peripheral devices. Thefunctions of the CPU 4 may also be performed by appropriatelyintegrating the apparatus 1 with the electronic command computer of thevehicle.

[0177] It should be noted that the provision of an apparatus 1, which isas small in size as possible, allows for an apparatus which may be moreeasily installed and concealed in the vehicle, so as to prevent itsbeing located and defeated by a car thief. It is also envisioned thatthe apparatus 1 may be installed in the motor vehicle during thevehicle's manufacture and/or assembly process so as to insure that itwill not be easily detectable or accessible by a car thief. The morecancelable the apparatus, the less likelihood that it could be locatedand defeated. It is envisioned that the apparatus 1 and any associatedcircuitry and/or wiring, may be designed into the motor vehicle so as tobe inaccessible to a thief.

[0178] The CPU 4 also has a transmitter 4A associated therewith fortransmitting signals to the transmitter system 2 or transceiver. In thismanner, the CPU 4 of the apparatus 1 may respond to a user datatransmission, command, or inquiry with a transmitted signal which mayinclude digital as well as other data and may also includeelectronically synthesized voice data which is generated by a voicesynthesizer 4B which is connected to the CPU 4 and the transmitter 4A asshown in FIG. 1. The transmitter 4A and optional voice synthesizer 4Bmay be utilized so as to provide information to an authorized user oroperator which may include, but not be limited to, apparatus status,vehicle operation status, and the status of each vehicle system,equipment and/or device which is utilized in conjunction with theapparatus as well as vehicle position data.

[0179] The CPU 4 is electrically connected and/or linked to the motorvehicle ignition system 7, which is located externally from theapparatus 1. The CPU 4 may or may not be connected and/or linked withthe vehicle ignition system 7 through an ignition system interface 8which is also shown in FIG. 1. The CPU 4 may transmit signals to, aswell as receive signals from, the vehicle ignition system 7. In thismanner, the CPU 4 and the vehicle ignition system 7, may exchangeinformation between each other. In this manner, the CPU 4, uponreceiving an appropriate signal from the receiver 3, and upon thecompletion of the requisite data processing routine, which will bedescribed below, may issue an electrical, an electronic, and/or anyother suitable signal, including a digital command signal, to thevehicle ignition system 7. This electrical, electronic and/or othersuitable signal or digital command signal may be one which will disablethe vehicle ignition system 7 or one which will re-enable or reset thevehicle ignition system 7. The CPU 4 may also interrogate the ignitionsystem 7 and/or receive data from the ignition system 7 which isindicative of ignition system status (i.e., whether the ignition system7 is on or off).

[0180] In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is also electricallyconnected and/or linked to the motor vehicle fuel pump system 9 which isalso located externally from the apparatus 1. The CPU 4 may or may notbe connected with the vehicle fuel pump system 9 through a fuel pumpsystem interface 10 which is also shown in FIG. 1. In the case of anelectrical or an electronic fuel pump system, the CPU 4 may provide anelectrical, an electronic, and/or other suitable signal, including adigital signal, which will disable, re-enable, or reset the vehicle fuelpump system 9.

[0181] In the case of a mechanical fuel pump system, the CPU 4 mayprovide an electrical, electronic, and/or other suitable signal,including a digital signal, which will disable or re-enable anelectrical valve system, which may be used to control the operation ofthe mechanical fuel pump system. Whichever the case may be, the CPU 4will be capable of issuing an electrical, electronic and/or othersuitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable, to re-enable,or to reset the vehicle fuel pump system 9. The CPU 4 may alsointerrogate and/or receive data from the fuel pump system 9 which isindicative of fuel pump system status (i.e., whether the fuel pumpsystem 9 is on or off). The CPU 4 may also be electrically connectedand/or linked to an appropriate device (not shown) for controlling theoperation of a vehicle exhaust system device. The vehicle exhaust systemdevice may be a device for blocking the flow of exhaust gases throughthe exhaust system.

[0182] The CPU 4, in the preferred embodiment, is also electricallyconnected and/or linked to at least one or more of a vehicle equipmentsystem or systems 11. The vehicle equipment system or systems 11 arelocated externally from the apparatus 1 and may or may not be connectedand/or linked to the CPU 4, via a vehicle equipment system or systemsinterface 12 which may or may not be required for each one of thevariety or multitude of the vehicle equipment systems which may beutilized in conjunction with the apparatus.

[0183] The vehicle equipment system or systems 11 may include a loudsiren or alarm, which may be located in the passenger compartment of themotor vehicle and, which may produce a loud piercing sound so as to makeit unbearable for an intruder to remain inside the motor vehiclepassenger compartment. The vehicle equipment system 11 may also includean external siren or alarm, which may produce a loud piercing sound,which may be utilized to draw attention to the motor vehicle. Thevehicle equipment system 11 may also include a horn, which may blarecontinuously or intermittently, so as to also draw attention to themotor vehicle. The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include thevehicle external light systems(s), which may include the vehicle headlights, tail lights or flashers, which may be constantly illuminated orwhich may blink on and off repeatedly so as to draw attention to themotor vehicle.

[0184] The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include a power doorlock system, for securing the vehicle passenger compartment so as toprevent an entry thereunto or an exit therefrom. In addition, thevehicle equipment system(s) 11 may include a hood locking system, suchas a mechanical hood locking system, for locking the vehicle hood so asto prevent an unauthorized access into the vehicle engine compartment soas to prevent any tampering with the apparatus 1 or with other systemsand/or components of the motor vehicle. The vehicle equipment system(s)11 can also include “smart” windows which turn opaque and/or darkerdepending upon interior lighting.

[0185] The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include any one ormore of the widely known vehicle anti-theft systems and may also includea vehicle recovery system or device, including a homing and/or atracking device or system, each of which system(s) may be activatedand/or controlled by the apparatus 1 of the present invention.

[0186] The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include videorecording and/or photographing equipment, which may include videorecording device(s) and/or a camera(s), such as those utilized inconjunction with personal computers, televisions, digital televisions,interactive televisions, display telephones, video telephones, and/orother communication devices, including personal communication devices,or a still picture camera(s). The video recording device(s) or camera(s)may be digital recording devices or cameras or other suitable devices orcameras, including typical video recording devices or cameras. The videorecording device(s) or camera(s), in a preferred embodiment, hasassociated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system fortransmitting video images recorded by the video recording device(s) orcamera(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signals such as, forexample, control signals, by which the user or operator may exercisecontrol over the video recording device(s) or camera(s).

[0187] The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may be located at anylocation on the interior of the vehicle such as, for example, in thedashboard of the vehicle so that the user or operator, or any otherauthorized individual, may observe and/or photograph the driver of thevehicle, or the occupants and/or cargo of the vehicle. The videorecording(s) or camera(s) may also be located on the vehicle exterior.The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may have wide angles formaximum angular viewing and may also be pivotable and/or movable. Thevideo device(s) or camera(s) can be moveable along a track or otherguiding device or element so that the respective video recording deviceor camera can be moved along the vehicle interior or exterior. The videorecording device(s) or camera(s) may record and/or transmit the recordedvideo and/or the picture(s) in real time and/or live. The videorecording device(s) or camera(s) may also be equipped with a storagemedium, for storing the recorded video and/or picture(s), and atransmitter or transceiver for transmitting the stored video and/orpicture(s) to the user or operator at a later time. In this manner,real-time, as well as deferred, video and/or picture(s) transmissionsmay be provided.

[0188] The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include audiorecording equipment, which may include audio recording device(s) such asmicrophones and/or tape recorders, such as those utilized in conjunctionwith personal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactivetelevisions, telephones, cellular telephones, display telephones, videotelephones, and/or other communication devices, including personalcommunication devices. The audio recording device(s) may be digitalaudio recording devices or other suitable audio devices includingtypical audio recording devices. The audio recording device(s), in apreferred embodiment, has associated therewith a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system for transmitting the recorded audio to theuser or operator and for receiving signals such as, for example, controlsignals, by which the user or operator may exercise control over theaudio recording device(s).

[0189] The audio recording device(s) may be located at any location onthe interior and/or exterior of the vehicle so that the user oroperator, or any other authorized individual, may hear what istranspiring, and/or what has transpired, inside and/or outside thevehicle. The audio recording device(s) may also be pivotable and/ormovable. The audio recording device(s) microphone(s) can be moveablealong a track or other guiding device or element so that the respectiveaudio recording device or microphone can be moved along the vehicleinterior or exterior. The audio recording device(s) may record and/ortransmit the recorded audio in real time and/or live. The audiorecording device(s) may also be equipped with a storage medium, forstoring the recorded audio, and a transmitter or transceiver fortransmitting the stored audio at a later time. In this manner, real-timeas well as deferred audio transmissions may be provided.

[0190] The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include an intercomsystem or device or telephone, cellular, digital or otherwise, forproviding a means by which to allow the user or operator, or otherauthorized operator, to communicate with the operator and/or occupantsof the vehicle over a designated communication line. The vehicleequipment system 11 can also include video conferencing devices and/orequipment for enabling the vehicle occupants and/or individuals insidethe vehicle, outside the vehicle, and/or in the vicinity of the vehicle,to engage in and/or partake in video conferences and/or videoconferencing with others via a communication network.

[0191] The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 can also include the vehiclebattery or batteries, vehicle fuel cell or fuel cells, batterymonitoring equipment, battery charge level, fuel cell output, fuel cellfuel supply, fuel cell temperature measuring device, fuel cellby-product (i.e. water or other by-product, heat, etc.) measuringdevice, fuel cell output measuring device (i.e. voltmeter, ammeter,current measure, power meter, etc.), an air bag deployment device, anair bag deployment detection device, a vehicle dashboard display device,a gyroscope for measuring vehicle pitch, roll, yaw, or attitude, agyrocompass for measuring direction of travel, a vehicle data recorderand/or a vehicle operation data recorder, a navigation system, anavigation control and/or monitoring system, an automatic pilot, a radarsystem, a vehicle voice recorder, a vehicle voice recorder controland/or monitoring device, an emergency oxygen control and/or monitoringdevice, an emergency oxygen deployment detection device, an air bagdeployment device, an air bag deployment detection device, and/or avehicle control console display device.

[0192] The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include monitoringdevice(s) for reading and/or monitoring the status and/or condition ofany of the vehicle fuel supply, water and/or coolant supply, electricalgenerator and/or alternator operation, battery charge level, fuel cellelectrical power output, fuel cell fuel supply level, fuel celloperating temperature, fuel cell by-product output level, and/or enginetemperature level and/or any other vehicle operation and/or systemfunction and/or vehicle equipment system(s) operating status and/orcondition. The monitoring device(s), in a preferred embodiment, hasassociated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system fortransmitting data and/or information recorded and/or read by themonitoring device(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signalssuch as, for example, control signals, by which the user or operator mayexercise control over the monitoring device(s).

[0193] The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include communicationdevices, such as two-way radios, radios, televisions, navigationaldevices and/or equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, radar devicesand equipment, emergency and/or distress signal equipment, and anyelectrical, electronic and/or otherwise activated appliances and/orequipment which may be utilized in a vehicle. Appliances may includehousehold appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners,ovens, microwave ovens, lighting systems, etc. The vehicle equipmentsystem(s) 11 may also include electrical and/or electronicallycontrolled dead bolt locking devices for use on doors, windows, hood,trunk and/or in conjunction with any other opening components and/orcomponents for gaining access to various locations on and/or in, and/orany systems, devices, and/or components of, the vehicle.

[0194] The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 can also include transponders,communication transponders, navigation transponders, and/or beacons.

[0195] The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include a wheeland/or brake locking device or mechanism. The vehicle equipment systemsmay also include hydraulic and/or pneumatic equipment and/or otherequipment, including winches, etc, which may be remotely activated asdescribed herein. The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also includevehicle communication devices including, but not limited to radios,televisions and entertainment devices, two-way radios, cellulartelephones and equipment, etc. The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 mayalso include systems for detecting failures in any of the above, or anyother, equipment systems and report such failure(s) to the user oroperator whether he or she is operating the vehicle or is not in thevehicle and/or for reporting such failures to a central office.

[0196] The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 can also include the vehiclecommand computer which is utilized to control and/or to the variouselectronic, electrical, mechanical, and/or electromechanical systems,components, devices, of the vehicle. The command computer can controland monitor any of the systems, components, and/or devices, of thevehicle, including, but not limited to, the ignition system, the fuelsystem, fuel injection system, electrical systems for ignition, lights,horn, door locks, exhaust system, windows, fuel pump, oil pump, enginetiming device, battery, fuel cells, fuel supply device, video recordingequipment, audio recording equipment, vehicle integrated positioningdevice, tire pressure indicator, and/or any other system, device, orcomponent which can be controlled and/or monitored by the commandcomputer.

[0197] The command computer can transmit control signals and/or statusrequest signals to any of the herein-described vehicle systems,components and/or devices so as to respectively control and/or monitorthe operating status and/or condition of the respective system,component and/or device. The command computer can also receive signalsfrom the respective systems, devices and/or components, with saidsignals containing data and/or information concerning the operatingstatus, operating state, and/or condition, of the respective systems,devices and/or components. The command computer can be utilized so as tocontrol, monitor, and/or provide diagnostic information for any of thevehicle systems, components, and/or devices, which are controlled and/ormonitored with the command computer.

[0198] The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 can also include wear and/orusage indicators and/or detection devices which can be connected witheither the command computer and/or the central processing computer andwhich can be utilized so as to monitor the wear and/or usage of any ofthe herein-described electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/orelectromechanical, systems, devices, and/or components.

[0199] The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 can also include automaticcontrol devices for controlling and/or monitoring vehicle systems and/ordevices for vehicle movement and/or motion, such as, but not limited to,vehicle transmission system for controlling vehicle forward and/orreverse direction of movement, vehicle acceleration system forcontrolling speed of movement, vehicle braking system for controllingvehicle braking, vehicle steering system for steering the vehicle,and/or any other system and/or component for controlling and/or foreffecting remote-control over the movement and/or the motion of thevehicle.

[0200] In the case of commercial, industrial, and/or farm and/orconstruction equipment, drilling equipment, mining equipment, excavatingequipment, and/or other commercial equipment, the vehicle equipmentsystem(s) 11 may also include loading and/or unloading mechanisms,cutting mechanisms, bailing mechanisms, winches and any and all of thevarious systems and devices utilized in conjunction with these vehiclesand/or equipment.

[0201] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, thesystems, equipment systems, subsystems, devices, components, and/orappliances, of and/or utilized in any of the respective vehicles, motorvehicles, boats, marine vessels, airplanes, aircraft, and/orrecreational vehicles, can include and/or can utilize the teachingsand/or the subject matter of the following U.S. Patents, the subjectmatter and teachings of which are hereby incorporated by referenceherein and form a part of the disclosure of this patent application:U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,356 which teaches and discloses a wirelesstransducer data capture and retrieval system for aircraft; U.S. Pat. No.6,002,972 which teaches and discloses a method and apparatus formeasuring forces based upon differential pressure between surfaces of anaircraft; U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,349 which teaches and discloses remote,aircraft, global, paperless maintenance; U.S. Pat. No. 5,969,953 whichteaches and discloses a stacked memory for flight recorders; U.S. Pat.No. 5,890,079 which teaches and discloses a remote aircraft flightrecorder and advisory system; U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,240 which teaches anddiscloses selective recall and preservation of continuously recorderdata; U.S. Pat. No. 5,841,638 which teaches and discloses a stackedmemory for flight recorders; U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,827 which teaches anddiscloses and air-chute safety system; U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,612, whichteaches and discloses a method for flight parameter monitoring andcontrol; U.S. Pat. No. 5,761,625 which teaches and disclosesreconfigurable algorithmic networks for aircraft data management; U.S.Pat. No. 5,756,934 which teaches and discloses U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,222which teaches and discloses an apparatus for measuring lift forces basedupon differential pressure between surfaces of an aircraft; U.S. Pat.No. 5,627,753 which teaches and disclose a method and apparatus forrecording data on cockpit voice recorder, U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,630 whichteaches and disclose a system for onboard lift analysis and apparatustherefor; U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,577 which teaches and discloses anaircraft wing position indicator; U.S. Pat. No. 5,283,643 which teachesand discloses a flight information recording method and device foraircraft; U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,874 which teaches and discloses anaircraft flight emulation test system; U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,468 whichteaches and discloses automated helicopter maintenance monitoring; U.S.Pat. No. 4,729,102 which teaches and discloses an aircraft dataacquisition and recording system; U.S. Pat. No. 4,682,292 which teachesand discloses a fault tolerant flight data recorder; U.S. Pat. No.4,660,145 which teaches and discloses a system for compressing aircraftflight data utilizing a multilevel time format; U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,145which teaches and discloses a system for compressing aircraft flightdata utilizing a multilevel time format; U.S. Pat. No. 4,656,585 whichteaches and discloses an aircraft flight data recorder data acquisitionsystem; U.S. Pat. No. 4,644,494 which teaches and discloses a solidstate memory for aircraft flight data recorder systems; U.S. Pat. No.4,604,711 which teaches and disclose an aircraft fight data displaysystem; U.S. Pat. No. 4,470,116 which teaches and discloses a digitalflight data recording system; U.S. Pat. No. 4,409,670 which teaches anddisclose a solid-state digital flight data recorder; U.S. Pat. No.4,378,574 which teaches and discloses a digital data recorder andmethod; U.S. Pat. No. 5,719,771 which teaches and discloses a system formapping occurrences in a transport route; U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,404 whichteaches and discloses beating and passage time optimization computernavigation system for sailing vessels; U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,028 whichteaches and discloses a method and system for depth sounding; U.S. Pat.No. 4,454,583 which teaches and discloses a navigation system; U.S. Pat.No. 4,138,567 which teaches and discloses a shipboard apparatus formeasuring ocean currents; U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,301 which teaches anddiscloses an electromagnetic water current meter with syntheticdirection field; U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,645 which teaches and discloses amoving object monitoring system; U.S. Pat. No. 5,982,048 which teachesand discloses a procedure for connecting a status detection device of apassive safety system for motor vehicles to a control unit; U.S. Pat.No. 5,974,349 which teaches and discloses a remote, aircraft, global,paperless maintenance system; U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,026 which teaches anddiscloses an automotive data recorder; U.S. Pat. No. 5,917,434 whichteaches and discloses an integrated taximeter/GPS position trackingsystem; U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,602 which teaches and discloses a carnavigation system; U.S. Pat. No. 5,895,440 which teaches and discloses abattery monitor and cycle status indicator; U.S. Pat. No. 5,892,437which teaches and discloses an on-board brake warning device for airbrake equipped vehicles; U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,079 which teaches anddiscloses a remote aircraft flight recorder and advisory system; U.S.Pat. No. 5,877,707 which teaches and discloses a GPS based seat beltmonitoring system & method for using same; U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,500 whichteaches and discloses an apparatus and method for recording motorvehicle travel information; U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,093 which teaches anddiscloses a computerized vehicle log; U.S. Pat. No. 5,896,020 whichteaches and discloses a laser based speed and accident reconstructionmeasuring apparatus and method; U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,647 which teachesand discloses a diagnostic test controller apparatus; U.S. Pat. No.5,796,612 which teaches and discloses a method for flight parametermonitoring and control; U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,441 which teaches anddiscloses a brake failure monitoring system; U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,149which teaches and discloses an aircraft airbag protection apparatus andmethod; U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,269 which teaches and discloses a digitaloperation recorder; U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,419 which teaches and disclosesa method and apparatus for recording sensor data; U.S. Pat. No.5,446,659 which teaches and discloses a traffic accident data recorderand traffic accident reproduction system; U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,201 whichteaches and discloses a vehicular display system; U.S. Pat. No.5,239,674 which teaches and discloses a method for transferring privatedata transmissions from a trucking communication system to a cellularcommunication; U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,211 which teaches and discloses amethod and apparatus for non-contact extraction of on-board vehicle triprecorders; U.S. Pat. No. 5,128,874 which teaches and discloses aminertial navigation sensor integrated obstacle detection system; U.S.Pat. No. 5,115,678 which teaches and discloses a method of checking thefunction of a driving wheel slip control system; U.S. Pat. No. 5,068,656which teaches and discloses a system and method for monitoring andreporting out-of-route mileage for long haul trucks; U.S. Pat. No.5,065,321 which teaches a solid state event recorder; U.S. Pat. No.5,058,423 which teaches and discloses a method of checking thefunctioning of a driving wheel slip control system; U.S. Pat. No.5,058,423 which teaches and discloses a method of checking thefunctioning of a driving wheel slip control system; U.S. Pat. No.5,056,056 which teaches and discloses a data recorder including arecirculating non-volatile memory; U.S. Pat. No. 4,958,454 which teachesand discloses a data recorder; U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,793 which teaches anddiscloses a system for providing a warning when vehicles approach acommon collision point; U.S. Pat. No. 4,853,850 which teaches anddiscloses a vehicle computer diagnostic interface apparatus; U.S. Pat.No. 4,835,546 which teaches and discloses an electronic data recorderapparatus and method; U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,028 which teaches anddiscloses a method and system for depth sounding; U.S. Pat. No.4,677,429 which teaches and discloses a vehicle information on-boardcomputer; U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,937 which teaches and discloses anautomotive collision avoidance and/or air bag deployment radar; U.S.Pat. No. 4,638,289 which teaches and discloses an accident datarecorder; U.S. Pat. No. 4,602,127 which teaches and discloses adiagnostic data recorder; U.S. Pat. No. 4,454,583 which teaches anddiscloses a navigation system; U.S. Pat. No. 4,337,651 which teaches anddiscloses an apparatus for measuring and indicating braking vehiclespeeds; U.S. Pat. No. 4,263,945 which teaches and discloses an automaticfuel dispensing control system; U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,421 which teachesand discloses a vehicle monitoring and recording system; U.S. Pat. No.4,236,215 which teaches and discloses a vehicular data handling andcontrol system; U.S. Pat. No. 4,201,908 which teaches a measurement andrecording apparatus and system; U.S. Pat. No. 4,156,286 which teachesand discloses a solid state data recorder; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,553which teaches and discloses a method and apparatus for magneticallyrecording vehicle running conditions.

[0202] As noted above, the use of any one or more of the vehicleequipment system or systems 11, and their associated interface devices12, may be optional and may further include any other systems and/ordevices which may, or are, utilized in and/or in conjunction with any ofthe above noted or envisioned vehicles. The vehicle equipment system(s)11, especially when the apparatus is utilized in conjunction with lawenforcement and/or military vehicles, may also include guns and/orweapon systems and/or self defense systems and electronic warfaresystems.

[0203] The vehicle equipment system or systems 11 receives signals fromthe CPU 4, which signals serve to activate or de-activate, or viceversa, whichever the case may be, the respective vehicle equipmentsystem(s) 11 which are utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 1. Thevehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include any other suitablevehicle system or equipment, device or feature which may be utilized todraw attention to the motor vehicle and/or in some other way impede thevehicle theft. It should be noted that any of the interface devices 8,10 and 12 may include any of the requisite interfacing circuitry whichmay be necessary to facilitate CPU 4 control over the respective systemswhich may be utilized.

[0204] The apparatus 1 also includes a vehicle position and locatingdevice 13 which may be utilized in order to determine the positionand/or the location of the vehicle. The vehicle position and locatingdevice 13 can be utilized so as to determine the position of the vehicleanywhere in the world and provide for the transmission of vehicleposition and/or location data to any appropriate system receiver so thatthe vehicle may be located and/or tracked and recovered. In thepreferred embodiment, the vehicle position and locating device 13includes and utilizes a global positioning device and an associatedtransmitter for transmitting position and/or location data to theauthorized user or operator and/or to an authorized office or agencyauthorized to receive and/or to monitor such data transmissions.Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter andteachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,959,577 which discloses a method andstructure for distribution of travel information using network.

[0205] The apparatus 1 also includes a vehicle position and locatingsystem receiver 14, which may be employed by the authorized user oroperator and/or by the authorized office or agency, for receiving and/orprocessing the data which is transmitted from the vehicle position andlocating device 13 as will be described in more detail hereinbelow. Theapparatus 1 may also comprise a corresponding user interface device (notshown) for use in conjunction with the vehicle position locating system.

[0206] While the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1,describes certain connections between various components and/or devicesof the apparatus as being made by a direct and/or a wired electricalconnection, it is noted that any direct and/or wired electricalconnection(s) between any of the components and/or devices describedherein, may be replaced with wireless devices, wireless communicationdevices, equipment, links and/or linkups, along with their respectiveand associated technologies and/or devices, which wireless devices andtechnologies are known and the teachings of which are incorporated byreference herein.

[0207]FIG. 2 illustrates the vehicle position and locating device 13 ofFIG. 1 illustrating the main components thereof in block diagram form.The vehicle position and locating device 13, in the preferredembodiment, includes a positioning system computer 21 and a globalpositioning device 22 with associated global positioning system receiver23. The positioning system computer 21 includes a CPU 4 (CPU) (notshown) and associated read only memory (ROM) device (not shown) andrandom access memory (RAM) device (not shown).

[0208] The vehicle position and locating device 13 also includes aposition data transmitter 24, for transmitting the vehicle positionand/or location data to the vehicle position system receiver 14. Thevehicle position and locating device 13 also includes a data base 25which contains digital and/or digitized map data, which can be utilizedto determine the geographical position of the vehicle from thecalculated “raw” position data obtained from the global positioningdevice 22. In this regard, vehicle location on a map and/or streetlocation may be obtained.

[0209] As will be described in more detail below, the positioning systemcomputer 21 controls the operation of the vehicle position and locatingdevice 13, including the operation of the global positioning device 22.The global positioning system receiver 23 receives the necessary signalsfrom the global positioning satellites and/or satellite system(s) whichare located in orbit above and around the earth. The signals which arereceived by the receiver 23 are processed by the global positioningdevice 22, in a manner which is well-known to those skilled in theglobal positioning art. Once the vehicle position data or “raw” data iscalculated, the data is transmitted to, or read by, the positioningsystem computer 21.

[0210] Vehicle position and/or location data can then be transmitted tothe vehicle position system receiver 14 which may be located at, oraccessible to, the authorized user or operator and/or at the location ofan authorized office or agency, such as at a central security office oragency or local or regional law enforcement office or agency, which isduly authorized to receive the vehicle position and/or location data forthe vehicle.

[0211] Vehicle position and/or location data is transmitted by thetransmitter 24 which, in the preferred embodiment, is a radio signaltransmitter or a broadcast transmitter. The transmitter 24 may also be acellular or mobile telephone or wireless or other communication devicewhich is programmed to call and transmit the data to the vehicleposition system receiver 14. The transmitter 24 may also be a digitalsignal transmitter or any other suitable transmitter. The globalpositioning data could also be obtained by the user or operator bydirectly “calling” the system receiver 14 and/or the CPU 4 of theapparatus 1.

[0212] In the preferred embodiment, the transmitter 24 includes a radiosignal transmitter for transmitting vehicle position and/or locationdata to the vehicle position system receiver 14, which may be at alocation of the authorized user or operator and/or at a central securityoffice or agency or at a local or regional law enforcement office oragency as will be described in more detail hereinbelow. In this regard,the vehicle position system receiver 14 includes a radio signal receiverwhich is tuned to receive the signals which are transmitted by thetransmitter 24. If the transmitter 24 is a cellular or mobile telephoneor other personal communication device, the system receiver 14 could beequipped with an associated cellular or mobile telephone or personalcommunication device or other suitable device, which can be used inconjunction with the cellular or mobile telephone transmitter. Digitalcommunication transmitter/receiver combinations and/or transceivers mayalso be utilized.

[0213] The vehicle position and locating device 13 may also have itsoperation programmed so as to perform updated global positioningcalculations, continuously, intermittently, at regular intervals and/orin any other suitable manner, so as to provide for a tracking of avehicle movement. The vehicle positioning system computer 21, in thepreferred embodiment, contains digital and/or digitized map data storedin database 25 for ascertaining the geographical position of the vehiclefrom the calculated global positioning data (“raw” data) which iscalculated by the global positioning device 22. In this manner, thecalculated global positioning data, and/or processed geographicalposition data, can be provided for ascertaining vehicle position and/orlocation and, if appropriate, for ascertaining vehicle movement such asby monitoring and/or tracking vehicle position as it is updated.

[0214] The vehicle position system receiver 14 may be equipped with anappropriate computer system which also includes a digital and/ordigitized map database for determining geographical location (i.e. maplocation, street location, or any other data which may be correlatedand/or processed with the positioning data, etc.), from the receivedglobal positioning data, at the location of the receiver 14. The systemreceiver 14 may also be equipped with an alphanumeric pager device whichcan simply receive the position data and/or the geographical positiondata from an appropriately designed transmitter 24.

[0215]FIG. 3 illustrates the vehicle position and locating systemreceiver 14 of FIG. 1 illustrating the components thereof in blockdiagram form. In FIG. 3, the system receiver 14 includes a receiver 30for receiving the data transmitted by the transmitter 24 of the vehicleposition and locating device 13. In the preferred embodiment, thereceiver 30 may be a radio signal receiver, a telephone,telecommunication and/or other system receiver, depending upon the typeof transmitter which utilized for the transmitter 24. It is alsoimportant to note that the receiver 30 may be a personal communicationsystem or personal communication services (PCS) receiver or device. Thereceiver 30 may also be a satellite dish receiver or a digital signalreceiver.

[0216] The vehicle position and locating system receiver 14 alsoincludes a computer 31 for controlling the operation of the systemreceiver 14. The positioning system receiver computer 31 includes a CPU4 (CPU) (not shown) and associated read only memory (ROM) device(s) (notshown) and random access memory (RAM) device(s) (not shown). Thecomputer 31 is connected to the receiver 30 for receiving and/or forreading the vehicle position and/or location data which is transmittedby the transmitter 24 and received by the receiver 30.

[0217] The system receiver 14 also includes a user interface device 32,which may include a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse, adisplay device 33 such as a display monitor, an output device 34 such asa printer and a database 35 such as a data base containing digitaland/or digitized map data for use in determining geographical positionof a vehicle from the “raw” position data. The system receiver 14 mayalso comprise a transmitter 36 for sending data and/or signals to thevehicle position and locating device 13 and/or for transmitting signalsto the CPU 4 and/or to the transmitter receiver 2C.

[0218] The system receiver 14 may also be implemented by utilizing ahome and/or a personal computer which may be utilized with an associatedreceiver 30 or equivalent peripheral device(s). In the case of a homeand/or a personal computer, the data received from the vehicle positionand locating device 13 may be input into the computer, from the receiver30, by any one of the well known methods and techniques for inputtingdata into a home and/or a personal computer from such an appropriateperipheral device(s). In cases wherein a telephone signal and/or apersonal communication device or personal communication services (PCS)devices are utilized, a fax/modem or other suitable device may beutilized to send, and/or to receive, data to, and from, the vehicleposition and locating device 13. A television, appropriately equipped toreceive and/or to transmit signals may also be utilized. It is alsoenvisioned that digital televisions, interactive televisions, personalcommunications devices, personal communications services (PCS) devices,personal digital assistants, display telephones, electronically equippedwatches, cellular telephones and/or display cellular telephones may alsobe utilized.

[0219] It is also important to note that the transmitter system 2 ortransceiver and the vehicle position and locating system receiver 14 maybe implemented by utilizing, and therefore replaced by, a home and/or apersonal computer having the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 4illustrates a block diagram of a computer system which provides all ofthe functions of, and/or for, the transmitter 2 or transceiver and thevehicle position and locating system receiver 14. In FIG. 4, the homeand/or personal computer, which is denoted by the reference numeral 150includes a CPU 151 with associated read only memory (ROM) device 161 andrandom access memory (RAM) device 162, a user interactive or interfacedevice 152 which includes a keyboard and/or a pointing device, a displaydevice 153 which may be a display monitor, an output device 154 whichmay be a printer, and a database 155 which may contain access code andcommand code data as well as digital and/or digitized map data.

[0220] The computer 150 also includes a transmitter 156 for transmittingdata to the receiver 3 and/or the CPU 4 and a receiver 157 for receivingdata from the receiver transmitter 3A and/or the CPU 4. The computer 150also includes a receiver 158 for receiving data from the vehicleposition and locating device 13 and a transmitter 159 for transmittingdata to the vehicle position and locating device 13. In the embodimentof FIG. 4, data may be transmitted to and received from the computer 150by using any of the conventionally known communication systems such asby utilizing radio signal communication devices, telecommunicationdevices, optical communication devices, satellite communication devices,and/or personal communication devices and/or personal communicationservices (PCS) devices, or any other suitable communications devices,including any of the types of devices described above. In the case oftelecommunication devices, a fax/modem for sending and receiving datamay be utilized in the computer 150. Digital communication devices mayalso be utilized.

[0221]FIG. 5A illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 1 wherein the computer150 of FIG. 4 is utilized as a substitute device for, and for performingthe functions of, the transmitter 2 or transceiver and the vehicleposition and locating system receiver 14.

[0222] In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus 1 can be utilizedin conjunction with a computer so that the authorized user or operatorcan utilize the apparatus over an on-line service and/or on, or over,the Internet and/or the World Wide Web and/or other suitablecommunication network or medium.

[0223]FIG. 5B illustrates another preferred embodiment wherein theapparatus 1 is utilized in conjunction with an on-line service and/oron, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web and/or othersuitable communication network or medium. In FIG. 5B, the varioustransmitters of the apparatus 1, including the receiver transmitter 3A,the CPU transmitter 4A and the vehicle position and locating devicetransmitter 24, transmit their respective data transmissions to areceiver 500 associated with an on-line service or internet computersystem or computer server 510 (hereinafter “server”) which isspecifically dedicated to the task of providing control over and/ormonitoring the vehicle, the apparatus 1 and/or any one or more of thevehicle systems which are controlled and/or monitored by the apparatus1. The server 510 can also perform vehicle monitoring, tracking and/orrecovery functions. The server 510 also has associated therewith, andconnected and/or linked thereto, a receiver 511 and a transmitter 512,for receiving and transmitting, respectively, all of the respectivesignals utilized for the complete and effective operation of theapparatus 1. The server 510 may be utilized in conjunction with anassociated Web Site 520.

[0224] In the embodiment of FIG. 5B, the authorized user or operator maytransmit data directly to the apparatus 1 via the home and/or personalcomputer 150. The authorized user or operator may also transmit datadirectly to the server 510 over an appropriate communication network ormedium.

[0225] By using the computer 150 in conjunction with an appropriatecommunication medium, the authorized user or operator may then accessthe dedicated server 510 such as on-line and/or via the Web Site 520 andthereby receive any and all of the above-described data from the server510 over the on-line service and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or theWorld Wide Web and/or other suitable communication network or medium.The authorized user or operator may also enter command codes and otherdata so as to provide control over the apparatus 1 via the server 510.The dedicated server 510 may be accessed via the associated Web Site520. The dedicated server 510 may also process the data obtained by theapparatus 1 in any appropriate manner, if desired. The authorized useror operator may also access and provide control over the apparatus 1 viathe server 510.

[0226] Applicant also hereby incorporates by reference herein all of themethods and/or techniques for providing information and/or data overon-line services and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or the World WideWeb or other suitable communication network or medium, along withclient/server and/or Web Site technology and methods and/or techniquesutilized in conjunction therewith, which are known as of the filing dateof this application. Any and/or all data and/or information can betransmitted utilizing TCP/IP protocols and/or other communicationprotocols. Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subjectmatter and teachings of Business Data Communications, Raymond R. Panko,Prentice Hall, 1997. In this regard, the authorized user or operator mayutilize the apparatus to its fullest capabilities over an on-lineservice and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web orother suitable communication network or medium. In this manner, theembodiment of FIG. 5B may allow the authorized user or operator toutilize the apparatus and/or to monitor the operation of the apparatusover the on-line service and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or theWorld Wide Web from any suitable computer and/or from any location.

[0227] The operation of the apparatus 1 of the present invention isdescribed below with reference to the flow diagrams illustrated in FIGS.6A and 6B, which flow diagrams illustrate a preferred embodiment methodfor utilization of the apparatus 1. The method of the present inventionmay be implemented as a computer program or software program which isutilized in conjunction with the CPU 4. The computer program or softwareprogram may be programmable so as to provide for the modification ofsame, if desired.

[0228] Upon the occurrence, or the discovery thereof, of the theft of amotor vehicle, or simply to monitor vehicle status or location, theauthorized user or operator of the vehicle may activate the apparatus 1by entering an access code into the transmitter interface 2A which, asnoted above, may be a touch tone telephone keypad. The entry of a validaccess code will activate a signal transmission from the transmittingdevice 2B in a manner similar to that of making a telephone call. In thepreferred embodiment, the above sequence of events may occur by theauthorized user or operator simply utilizing a touch-tone telephone,which may be a public pay telephone, a private telephone, a linetelephone, a cordless or wireless telephone, or a cellular or mobiletelephone, and by entering in the pre-determined access code which isassigned to the particular apparatus 1.

[0229] In the case of a touch-tone telephone/telephone beeper or pagersystem, wherein the beeper or pager is the receiver 3 in the apparatus1, this access code would typically be a code which would comprise agiven telephone area code and telephone number assigned to, orprogrammed for, the beeper or pager (receiver 3).

[0230] Upon receiving the transmitted signal, the receiver 3, or beeperor pager, or the communication system servicing the beeper or pager,will typically generate, via transmitter 3A or by another appropriatedevice, which may or may not be an integral part of the receiver 3, asignal, electrical or otherwise, which is indicative of the receiver 3having received the signal from the transmitter 2 and which furtherindicates that the receiver 3 has been accessed. In the case of acommunication system or service which services the beeper or pager, thetransmitter 3A may be located externally from the apparatus 1 and may belinked to the receiver 3 via the communication link which services thereceiver 3 (i.e., the beeper or pager communications service system).

[0231] The received access signal is also sent to, or read by, the CPU 4so as to alert the CPU 4 that the receiver 3, and the apparatus 1 havebeen accessed. The receiver 3, or the communication system servicing thereceiver (beeper or pager), will then transmit a signal, via itstransmitter 3A, to the transmitter receiver 2C which is indicative ofthe fact that the receiver 3, and the apparatus 1, have been accessed.This signal which is transmitted to the transmitter receiver 2C usuallytakes the form of an audible tone at the telephone headset whichtypically occurs when it is desired to communicate with a beeper orpager device.

[0232] The above sequence is analogous to the operation of atelephone/telephone beeper or pager system wherein, when the beeper orpager, or the communication system servicing the beeper or pager, hasanswered the call, the beeper awaits entry of a telephone number or codeby the caller. The signal indication by the receiver 3 will then befollowed by a period of silence during which period, the authorized useror operator may enter the desired command code data or command code,which may include a vehicle disable command code, a vehicle re-enable orreset command code, a cancel code, or any other suitable command code bywhich the authorized user or operator may exercise control over theapparatus 1. The authorized user or operator may then enter the code ornumber sequence into the transmitter interface 2A or, in this case, thetelephone keypad.

[0233] In a case when the motor vehicle has been stolen, the commandcode may be a vehicle disable command code. it should also be noted thata vehicle re-enable or reset command code, or any other suitable commandcode, which would represent a function or operation to be performed bythe apparatus 1, may also be entered, as the circumstances may require,at this time. The command code is then transmitted from the transmittingdevice 2B of the transmitter system 2 and is received by the receiver 3or beeper or pager. In the preferred embodiment, a command code receivedsignal is then transmitted back to the transmitter system 2, via thereceiver 3, or communication system, transmitter 3A, which provides anindication, to the authorized user or operator, that the command codehas been received by the apparatus 1.

[0234] The command code data is then transmitted to, or read by, the CPU4 for command code identification and for further processing, ifnecessary. In this manner, an authorized user or operator, upon learningof the theft of the vehicle, or simply attempting to ascertain thestatus and/or location of the vehicle, may easily access or activate theapparatus 1 by simply utilizing the nearest touch-tone telephone and by“calling up” the apparatus 1.

[0235] The telephone/telephone beeper system, described above, may bereplaced with any remote transmitter/receiver system, such as by aremote transmitter, i.e., a television-type remote control unit, whichcontrol unit would require a user interface feature and which has thecapability to remotely transmit a multitude of signals over longdistances to an associated receiver. A two-way pager, or otherappropriate two-way communication device may also be utilized. A homeand/or personal computer, with requisite peripheral devices, a personalcommunication device and/or a personal communication services (PCS)device may also be utilized. Digital communications devices, interactivetelevisions and/or digital televisions may also be utilized. It is alsoenvisioned that digital televisions, interactive televisions, personalcommunications devices, personal communications services (PCS) devices,personal digital assistants, display telephones, video telephones,electronically equipped watches and/or other effects or accessories,cellular telephones, display cellular telephones may also be utilized.

[0236] By utilizing a telephone/telephone beeper or pager system, or awireless telephone and/or wireless communication device, in thepreferred embodiment, a long range, remote-controlled system may beachieved which systems are usually very well maintained bytelecommunication companies or carriers and are also very reliable. Byusing a telephone/telephone beeper or pager system, or wirelesstelephone and/or wireless communication device, the authorized user oroperator does not have to keep track of a separate remote control unit.In this manner, a reliable and efficient apparatus communication systemis achieved. The apparatus 1 may also be equipped with an alternateand/or an auxiliary transmitter device(s), such as a remote control unitor home and/or personal computer system, which could be employed inaddition to a telephone. In this manner, if the authorized user oroperator should leave the remote control unit in the vehicle, or shouldlose it, the apparatus 1 may still be accessed by the authorized user oroperator. Still further, some telephone/telephone beeper or pagersystems, wireless telephones, and/or wireless communication devices, mayhave effective distance ranges on the order of hundreds or thousands ofmiles which may be economical and reliable for long range signaltransmission.

[0237] In the case where the motor vehicle has been stolen, and theauthorized user or operator wants to prevent or thwart the theft of thevehicle and recover the vehicle, the command code which is to be enteredis a vehicle disable command code (disable code) which will disable thevehicle in the manner described below. Similarly, if the authorized useror operator desires to re-enable or reset the apparatus 1, such as whenthe motor vehicle has been recovered or found, so as to render thevehicle re-enabled or operational, the command code to be entered willbe a vehicle re-enable or reset command code (re-enable or reset code).

[0238] Once the command code has been entered, the receiver 3, via itstransmitter 3A, may provide a signal indication to the transmittersystem 2, which may take the form of audible tones to a headset, such asis known in beeper or pager systems, which serve to confirm receipt ofthe command code by the receiver 3 and the apparatus 1. The data enteredinto, and transmitted from, the transmitter system 2, and received bythe receiver 3, will then be transmitted to, or read by, the CPU 4 forcommand code identification and for subsequent processing, if necessary.

[0239] If the authorized user or operator merely wants to determine thestatus of the vehicle and/or of any of the vehicle equipment systems(i.e., is the ignition system on, is the engine running, is a burglaralarm system armed, etc.), a status code may be entered and the CPU 4,after monitoring the vehicle systems, may report back to the authorizeduser or operator via the receiver transmitter 3A or the CPU transmitter4A. If the authorized user or operator wants to determine the locationof the vehicle and/or if it is in motion, a location request code may beentered whereupon the vehicle position and locating device 13 may beactuated so as to determine vehicle position and/or location data, whichdata may then be transmitted to the user or operator via transmitter 24.The CPU transmitter 4A may also transmit vehicle portion data as the CPU4 may also have access to said data. In this manner, the user oroperator may exercise control over the vehicle and/or monitor theoperational status and/or state of the vehicle and/or of any of thevehicle systems and/or components. The user or operator may also monitorthe position and/or movement of the vehicle.

[0240]FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate flow diagrams of a preferred embodimentof the operational steps and/or sequence of operation of the apparatusand method of the present invention. With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B,the receiver 3, upon receipt of the access code, will generate aninterrupt in the CPU 4 which will activate an operational program or aninterrupt service routine, at step 60, of the flow diagram. At step 61,the command code data is received by the apparatus 1. Upon receipt ofthe command code by the receiver 3, the command code is then transmittedto, or read by, the CPU 4 at step 62. The CPU 4 will then, at step 62A,perform a processing routine in order to identify the command code whichhas been entered.

[0241] In the preferred embodiment, the command code should be of apre-determined length and should be chosen to be one of a variety ofcodes which may be chosen so as to provide for the controlling of theapparatus 1 to perform any number of functions and/or to control thevehicle and/or any of the vehicle systems utilized in conjunction withthe apparatus 1. The command code may be a valid disable code, a validre-enable or reset code, a cancel code, a vehicle status code, a vehicleposition and locating code, or any other suitable code which may berecognized by the CPU 4 so as to provide control over and/or monitoringof the apparatus 1. A command code may be utilized to indicate a canceloperation, or to identify a previous transmission as a false alarm. Anincomplete code, an invalid code, or the absence of a command code afterthe apparatus 1 has been accessed, may be deemed to be a false alarm.

[0242] The cancel and false alarm categories are utilized in order toenable an authorized user or operator to cancel access to and/oractivation of the apparatus 1, or to prevent an unauthorized access orunauthorized attempt to enter a command code into the apparatus 1. Suchan identification processing routine may be performed in a very simplemanner, such as by testing the command code or code data againstpre-determined or pre-defined codes and/or against any other code datawhich may be stored in apparatus program memory. Such testing may beperformed by any one of the widely known software testing andidentification routines and/or techniques.

[0243] At step 63, the CPU 4 will determine if the code is a valid code.If the code is valid, then the processing will proceed to step 64. Ifthe code is invalid, the CPU 4 will return to step 76 thereby exitingthe operational program or interrupt service routine and the apparatus 1will await a next access code and command code transmission. Once avalid command code has been entered, the CPU 4, at step 64, willdetermine if a valid disable code has been entered, which disable codesignifies that the car has been stolen and/or is under the control of anunauthorized user or operator or simply that the authorized user oroperator wishes to render the vehicle inoperative. Once the commandcode, if entered, is identified, the CPU 4, under the control of theapparatus operational program or interrupt service routine, will performthe appropriate apparatus control functions.

[0244] If a valid disable code is identified as having been transmitted,at step 64 (which may designate that the vehicle has been stolen), theCPU 4 will initiate and/or actuate the operation of the vehicle positionand locating device 13 at step 65. The vehicle position and locatingdevice 13 will then begin to, and continue to, perform the necessaryroutines in order to determine vehicle position and/or location as willbe described below. The operation of the vehicle position and locatingdevice 13 will proceed and continue simultaneously and/or concurrentlywith the operation of the apparatus 1 and the CPU 4 as described below.

[0245] The CPU 4, which is connected to the vehicle ignition system 7,so as to send and receive data to and from the vehicle ignition system7, will perform a software test, at step 66, in order to determinewhether the vehicle ignition system 7 is activated or is on (i.e. thevehicle is operating or is in motion). This will require a monitoring ofthe vehicle ignition system 7 by the CPU 4.

[0246] As noted above, a vehicle ignition system interface 8 is optionaland may or may not be employed in order to facilitate this function ofmonitoring and controlling the vehicle ignition system 7 by the CPU 4.

[0247] If the vehicle ignition system 7 is determined to be activated oron, the CPU 4 will enter into a delay loop, at step 67. The purpose ofthe delay loop, at step 67, is to prevent the vehicle ignition system 7from being deactivated or shut-down while the vehicle engine is still onor running. Such a test and delay loop routine serves to preventaccidents and resulting personal injury and property damage, such as maybe caused when a vehicle suddenly looses power while in motion and/or istravelling at a moderate, or at a high, rate of speed or when such aloss of engine power may result in the failure of the vehicle powersteering and/or power brake systems. In this manner, the CPU 4 willcontinue to interrogate the vehicle ignition system 7 after apre-determined delay period, and will continue to do so until thevehicle ignition system 7 is determined to be shut-off and/or isnon-operational.

[0248] While any delay period may be employed, at step 67, and may beprogrammed into the program software of the apparatus 1, it is importantto choose a delay period which can detect even the shortest duration ofa vehicle ignition system shut-down. In the preferred embodiment, adelay period of one (1) second is utilized. This delay period, ofcourse, may be changed in the program software, as desired, by utilizingknown system programming methods and/or techniques.

[0249] After the delay period has elapsed, at step 67, the CPU 4 willagain interrogate the ignition system 7, at step 66, and will continueto do so in the above described delay loop routine until the ignitionsystem 7 is determined to be shut-off and/or is non-operational. Once ithas been determined that the vehicle ignition system 7 is shut-offand/or is non-operational, the CPU 4, at step 68, will issue a disablesignal to the vehicle ignition system 7.

[0250] The disable signal which is issued by the CPU 4, at step 68, willdisable the vehicle ignition system 7, thereby preventing a restartingof the vehicle engine. The disabling function may be performed by theCPU 4 by issuing a data signal, which causes the vehicle ignition systemcircuitry to be shut-off or be “opened”, such as by opening a switchingdevice and/or a series of switching devices (i.e. a switch or relay (notshown)), which is or are located in, or designed into, the ignitionsystem circuitry, the starter motor, or at any other location in theignition system 7, or by issuing a disabling signal to the digital orlogic devices, which may be utilized in connection with the vehicleelectronic command computer and/or other electrical components orsystems.

[0251] It should be noted that any number of methods may be used, inconjunction with the apparatus 1, for disabling the vehicle ignitionsystem 7. The CPU 4 can be utilized to provide control signals, todisable or re-enable, the vehicle ignition system 7 just as anymicroprocessor-based digital system provides control over the operationof the components and/or peripheral devices utilized in conjunctiontherewith. The techniques utilized, in order to provide such controlover the vehicle ignition system 7 may be determined on avehicle-by-vehicle basis.

[0252] Once the vehicle ignition system 7 has been disabled, only theissuance of a valid re-enable or reset command code, to the apparatus 1,may be utilized to re-enable or reset the vehicle ignition system 7. Inthis manner, a carefully concealed and installed placement of theapparatus 1, within the vehicle, will provide for a completely disabledvehicle until such time as a valid access code, followed by a validre-enable or reset command code, is entered by the authorized user oroperator in a manner consistent with the operation of the apparatus 1.As can be readily appreciated, a carefully concealed apparatus 1, alongwith a strategically placed ignition cut-off circuitry or system, wouldrender it most difficult, if not impossible, for the thief or thieves topractically defeat the apparatus 1.

[0253] With reference once again to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the CPU 4, at step69, will then issue a disabling signal to the vehicle fuel pump system 9thereby de-activating the vehicle fuel pump system 9 and prohibiting thesupply of fuel to the vehicle engine. The disabling signal from the CPU4 can disable the vehicle fuel pump system 9 by any one of the wellknown methods for disabling a fuel pump system. In the case of electricfuel pump systems, said systems may be disabled by any one of the knownmethods for shutting-off or “opening” an electrical circuit whichprovides power to, or control over, the fuel pump system 9, such as by acutoff switch or relay, which methods and/or techniques may be similarto and/or analogous to those methods and/or techniques utilized inconnection with disabling the vehicle ignition system 7.

[0254] In the case where electronic components are utilized, the digitalcomponents or logic gates in the control circuitry may also be disabled.In the case where a mechanical fuel pump is utilized, an electric valveassembly, which may provide a fuel pump operation cut-off or disconnect,may also be utilized thereby allowing any appropriate method fordisabling an electrical fuel pump system to be utilized in order todisable the electric valve assembly, and ultimately, to shut-off ordisable the mechanical fuel pump system. The vehicle fuel pump systeminterface 10 may be utilized, if necessary, in order to facilitate theabove described disabling technique(s).

[0255] The CPU 4 can be utilized in order to provide control signals todisable or re-enable the vehicle fuel pump system 9 just as anymicroprocessor-based digital system provides control over the operationof components and peripheral devices utilized in conjunction therewith.It should be noted that the techniques utilized in order to providecontrol over (disable or re-enable) the vehicle fuel pump system 9 maybe determined on a vehicle-by-vehicle or fuel pump-by-fuel pump basis.

[0256] Upon the disabling of the vehicle ignition system 7, at step 68,and/or the vehicle fuel pump system 9, at step 69, the CPU 4, at step70, if so commanded, will then issue a control signal(s) to activate orde-activate, whichever the case may be, any one or more of the variousvehicle equipment systems 11 which are utilized in conjunction with theapparatus 1. As noted above, the vehicle equipment system(s) 11, ifemployed, may include an alarm or siren, which has a piercing sound andwhich is placed in the interior of the passenger compartment. The alarmor siren would serve to make it unbearable for the thief or thieves toremain inside the vehicle. External alarms or sirens may also beutilized in order to draw attention to the vehicle. A horn or horns,which could blare continuously or intermittently, could also be utilizedto draw attention to the vehicle.

[0257] A vehicle light system, i.e. head lights, tail lights, parkinglights, etc. may also be activated so as to illuminate continuously orintermittently, such as by blinking, in order to draw attention to thevehicle. Other vehicle equipment systems, such as a power door lockingsystem, may be activated, immediately or after a delay, for securing thevehicle passenger compartment so as to prevent an entry thereunto or anexit therefrom. It is also envisioned that there may be a delay betweenthe disabling of the vehicle ignition system 7 and the activation of thepower door lock system so as to allow the thief or thieves to get out ofthe car before the locking operation takes place.

[0258] It is also envisioned that a mechanical hood locking system maybe utilized and activated so as to lock the hood and prevent anunauthorized access into the vehicle engine compartment. Such a vehiclehood locking feature could prevent tampering with the apparatus 1 orwith other systems and/or components of the vehicle. A vehicle alarmsystem or anti-theft system(s), such as any one or more of the wellknown types of anti-theft and/or theft deterrent systems or devices mayalso be activated, and/or deactivated, when and if desired, by the CPU4. The CPU 4 may also activate a vehicle homing and/or tracking orrecovery device system such as a LoJack® Stolen Vehicle Recovery Systemand/or any other type of vehicle recovery system.

[0259] Any one or more of the above-described vehicle equipmentsystem(s) 11 which may include a power door lock system, includingelectronic and/or electrical dead bolt locking devices, for securing thevehicle passenger compartment, hood or trunk, so as to prevent anunauthorized entry thereunto, video recording equipment, for recordingand supplying video information, and/or audio recording equipment, forrecording and supplying audio information, may also be activated ordeactivated.

[0260] The CPU 4 can be utilized in order to provide control signals toactivate and/or to de-activate any one or more of the vehicle equipmentsystems 11 just as a microprocessor-based digital system providescontrol over components and/or over peripheral devices utilized inconjunction therewith. Such methods and/or techniques may be similar tothose methods and/or techniques utilized to provide control by the CPU 4over the vehicle ignition system 7 and the vehicle fuel pump system 9.It should be noted that the techniques utilized, in order to providecontrol over any of the vehicle equipment system(s) 11, may bedetermined on a vehicle-by-vehicle and/or system-by-system basis. It isalso envisioned that a vehicle exhaust system may be de-activated and/orsimilarly controlled by the apparatus 1.

[0261] Once disabled, the vehicle ignition system 7, and the vehiclefuel pump system 9, will remain disabled even if the vehicle powersupply should be drained. This is due to the fact that the digitalcircuitry, which is utilized in the apparatus 1, in the vehicle ignitionsystem 7, in the vehicle fuel pump system 9, and/or in any of thevehicle equipment system(s) 11, may include digital “memory” devicessuch as logic gates, flip-flops, etc. and/or electromagnetic devices,such as switches or relays, which may be chosen so as to remain in theirstate unless altered or activated in a predefined fashion, electrically,electronically or otherwise, or under the power of an electrical signalor stimulus which is controllable only by an authorized user oroperator. Further, even if the vehicle power is completely drained,these above mentioned devices, which may be chosen so as to require apredefined application of electrical or electronic power in order tochange their state, or their operating mode or operation, would havetheir re-activation prevented, and thus, the vehicle ignition system 7,the vehicle fuel pump system 9, and/or any of the vehicle equipmentsystem(s) 11, will remain in a disabled state.

[0262] It is also envisioned that back-up and/or supplemental powersupplies, such as batteries, fuel cells, etc., (not shown) may also beutilized in conjunction with the apparatus 1 so as to prolong thecontinued activation or de-activation of the vehicle ignition, fuel pumpand/or any of the vehicle equipment system(s) 11 which are utilized.Supplemental power systems are optional and may also be employed withthe apparatus 1 so as to provide power for any unusual powerrequirements which may be required by the vehicle in which the apparatus1 may be installed. The back-up and/or supplemental power supplies mayalso be solar powered and/or be constantly chargeable by a vehiclerecharging and/or alternator system.

[0263] Upon the completion of apparatus 1 operation, at step 70, the CPU4 will then exit the operational program or interrupt service routine atstep 76. This signifies the completion of the operational program orinterrupt service routine in the case of receiving a disable commandcode. The CPU 4 will then await the next accessing and/or activation ofthe apparatus 1 by the authorized user or operator, via entry of a validaccess code into the transmitter system 2 as described above. Unless avalid access code, followed by a valid re-enable or reset command code,is entered into the transmitter interface 2A, the vehicle ignitionsystem 7, and the vehicle fuel pump system 9, will remain disabledand/or any of the utilized vehicle equipment system(s) 11, will remainin their activated or de-activated states.

[0264] Upon the vehicle being found or recovered, such as in a mannerresulting from utilizing the vehicle position and locating device 13, inthe manner described hereinbelow, the authorized user or operator mayonce again access the apparatus 1 by entering the valid access code intothe transmitter interface 2A and then by entering the valid re-enablingor reset command code. As described above, a valid access code will onceagain initiate the operation of the operational program or interruptservice routine, at step 60, which is described above and illustrated inFIGS. 6A and 6B. The valid re-enable or reset command code will then bereceived by the receiver 3, in the manner described above at step 61.

[0265] The command code data will then be transmitted to, or read by,the CPU 4, at step 62 and processed and identified at step 62A. The CPU4, at step 63, will then determine whether the re-enable or resetcommand code, which was entered, is a valid code. The CPU 4, at step 64,will then determine if the command code is a valid disable code. Since avalid re-enable or reset code has been entered, the CPU 4 will determinethat the command code is not a disable code. The CPU 4 will then proceedto step 71 and will determine whether the command code is a validre-enable or reset command code.

[0266] If the command code is not a valid re-enable or reset commandcode, the CPU 4 will exit the operational program or interrupt serviceroutine, at step 76, and will await entry of the next valid access codeand command code. It should be noted that, as an added security measure,the apparatus 1 may be programmed so that, upon the receipt of one ormore invalid access and/or command codes, the apparatus 1 may requirethat the authorized user or operator re-program a new access code forthe apparatus 1 through a central office or agency or maintenanceservice which provides service and/or maintenance for the apparatus 1.In any event, the apparatus 1 may be accessed by a valid access codewith such accessing resetting the apparatus 1 and initiating theoperation of the apparatus 1.

[0267] If, however, the entered command code is identified as a validre-enable or reset code, at step 71, the CPU 4, subsequent to suchdetermination, but prior to actually re-enabling or resetting thevehicle ignition system 7, re-enabling the vehicle fuel pump system 9,and de-activating or re-activating, whichever the case may be, any oneor more of the various vehicle equipment systems 11 which are utilized,will perform a test, at step 72, in order to verify that the vehicleignition system 7 is, in fact, still disabled. If, at step 72, thevehicle ignition system is still enabled or on, the CPU 4 will exit theoperational program or interrupt service routine and will await entry ofthe next valid access code and command code. This test, at step 72, is asafety feature which serves to ensure that no re-enabling or resettingsignal will be issued by the apparatus 1 if the vehicle ignition system7 is not disabled. In this manner, the operation of the vehicle ignitionsystem 7 will not be interrupted or affected, which interruption may beunsafe if the vehicle is already in operation or in motion.

[0268] It should be noted that neither the vehicle fuel pump system 9nor any of the various vehicle equipment systems 11 which may beutilized, should have their status of operation altered as anyinterruption of the status quo of each of the respective systems, duringnormal vehicle operation, may also be unsafe.

[0269] If the vehicle ignition system 7 is determined to be disabled, atstep 72, the CPU 4 will, at step 73, issue a control signal which willre-enable or reset the vehicle ignition system 7. This may beaccomplished by any method and/or technique which would re-enable orre-activate the vehicle ignition system circuitry. The CPU 4, at step74, will then issue a control signal to re-enable or reset the vehiclefuel pump system 9, if so desired, which may also be accomplished byre-enabling or re-activating the vehicle fuel pump system circuitry.

[0270] The CPU 4 will then, at step 75, issue control signals to each ofthe various vehicle equipment systems 11 which are utilized, so as tode-activate or re-activate the respective system(s) which had beenactivated or deactivated, respectively, earlier at step 70 or otherwise.Upon the completion of the above-described events, the vehicle will thenbe ready for operation, barring any need for service and/or for repairs.The CPU 4, upon the completion of step 75, will then exit theoperational program or interrupt service routine, at step 76, and willawait the next valid accessing and/or activation of the apparatus 1.

[0271] As noted above, if the re-enable or reset command code is not avalid code, the CPU 4 will ignore the received data, will exit theoperational program or interrupt service routine, at step 76, and willawait the next valid accessing and/or activation of the apparatus 1. Inthis regard, if an invalid command code should be entered into thetransmitter interface 2A, such as by an authorized user or operator whohas made a mistaken entry, or who is trying to cancel the accessing andactivation of the apparatus 1, or by an unauthorized person attemptingto gain unauthorized access to the apparatus 1, the CPU 4, uponidentifying the code as an invalid command code, will ignore the commandcode transmission, and will exit the operational program or interruptservice routine, at step 76. The CPU 4 will then await the next validaccessing and/or activation of the apparatus 1.

[0272] Any subsequent accessing of the apparatus 1 will reset theapparatus 1 thereby preventing the apparatus 1 from being left in astate of “limbo”. In this manner, the apparatus 1 serves to prevent anunauthorized accessing and/or an unwanted disabling or re-enabling orresetting of the vehicle ignition system 7 and/or the vehicle fuel pumpsystem 9 along with the activation or the de-activation of any of thevarious vehicle equipment systems 11 which may be utilized, unless anduntil all valid codes are utilized.

[0273] The above safeguards will also prevent a wrong or mis-dialednumber from accidentally accessing and activating the apparatus 1 whichmay result in an unwanted disabling or re-enabling, or the activation orde-activation, of the respective vehicle systems. These safeguards maybe provided at the access code level of transmission and/or at thecommand code level of transmission. Such safeguards also prevent theapparatus 1 from being accessed and left in a state of “limbo” which maycompromise the ability of an authorized user or operator to access andutilize the apparatus 1. The entry of an invalid access code will simplyfail to access the apparatus 1.

[0274] In this manner, the apparatus 1 serves to prevent an unauthorizedor an unwanted disabling or re-enabling or setting or resetting of thevehicle ignition system 7 and/or the vehicle fuel pump system 9 alongwith the activation or the de-activation of any of the various vehicleequipment systems 11 which may be utilized.

[0275] As noted above, with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, once a validdisable code has been recognized by the CPU 4, at step 64, the apparatus1 will, at step 65, activate the vehicle position and locating device13. The operation of the vehicle position and locating device 13 willthen be initiated, at step 65, and will operate simultaneously and/orconcurrently with, and independently of, the apparatus 1 and the CPU 4in the performance of the operational steps 66-76 and 71-76 as describedabove. In this manner, the vehicle position and locating device 13 isutilized to calculate, determine and transmit vehicle position data in amanner independently of apparatus control over the vehicle ignitionsystem 7, fuel pump system 9, and/or any of the vehicle equipmentsystem(s) 11.

[0276]FIG. 7 illustrates the operation, in flow diagram form, of thevehicle position and locating device 13. As noted above, the operationof the vehicle position and locating device 13 commences at step 65 asshown in FIGS. 6A and 6B and thereafter operates simultaneously and/orconcurrently with, and independently of, the operation of the apparatus1 and the CPU 4. With reference to FIG. 7, the operation of the vehicleposition and locating device 13 is initiated at step 200 of FIG. 7. Atstep 201, the computer 21 of the vehicle position and locating device 13activates the global positioning device 22, which is any one of thewidely known global positioning devices. Once activated, the globalpositioning device 22 calculates vehicle position data at step 202 byusing well known global positioning calculation methods and/ortechniques.

[0277] Once the vehicle position data has been calculated at step 202, atest is performed at step 203 in order to determine if the geographicalposition data (i.e., specific vehicle location identified on a map,location on identified roadway, etc.) has been requested. Ifgeographical position or location data has been requested, the computer21 will, at step 204, calculate the geographical position or locationdata of the vehicle in conjunction with the digital and/or digitized mapdata which is stored in the database 25. The calculated geographicalposition data of the vehicle will then be transmitted, at step 205, bythe transmitter 24, of the vehicle position and locating device 13, tothe vehicle position system receiver 14 which is located at the locationof the authorized user or operator, or at the authorized office, agencyor other entity.

[0278] If, at step 203, geographic position data has not been requested,then the position data which is calculated by the global positioningsystem 22 is transmitted, at step 205, to the vehicle position systemreceiver 14. In the preferred embodiment, the calculated vehicleposition data is transmitted repeatedly for a predefined time intervalwhich time interval is facilitated by utilizing the time delay at step206.

[0279] In the preferred embodiment, the position data is transmittedrepeatedly for a time period of five (5) minutes, which time period ismonitored by utilizing the time delay function at step 206. Once thepre-defined time delay period has elapsed, the computer 21 will, at step207, determine whether the vehicle position and location device 13 hasbeen de-activated, such as would occur once the vehicle has been foundand/or recovered and/or if the apparatus 1 has been reset. If thevehicle position and location device 13 has not been de-activated,operation of the vehicle position and locating device 13 will return tostep 202 and will once again calculate vehicle position data. In thismanner, vehicle position and/or location data may be updated. If thevehicle position device 13 has been de-activated, the computer 21 will,at step 208, exit the operational routine or interrupt service routineand will await its next re-activation.

[0280]FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the operation, in flow diagram form, ofthe vehicle position system receiver 14 which, as noted above, islocated at the location of the authorized user or operator or at anoffice, agency or other entity which is authorized to receive thevehicle position and/or location data. The vehicle position systemreceiver 14 receives the vehicle position data which is transmitted bythe vehicle position transmitter 24 of the vehicle position and locatingdevice 13. In the preferred embodiment, the operation of the vehicleposition system receiver 14 is activated upon receipt of a valid accesscode transmitted by the transmitter 3A. In this regard, theabove-described access code, which is transmitted by the transmitter 3A,is also received by the receiver 30 of the vehicle position systemreceiver 14 thereby activating same.

[0281] In this regard, the access code is also utilized to activate thevehicle position system receiver 14. The vehicle position systemreceiver 14 may also be manually and/or in some other way activated bythe authorized user or operator or by the authorized agency, office orentity.

[0282] Operation of the vehicle position system receiver 14 is initiatedat step 250. The computer 31 will, upon receipt of the activate signal,activate the receiver 30, at step 251, which will await transmission ofthe vehicle position or location data, from the vehicle position andlocating device 13. Upon transmission of the vehicle position data fromthe vehicle position and locating device 13, the receiver 30 will, atstep 252, receive the vehicle position data.

[0283] The computer 31 will then, at step 253, determine if the receiveddata is geographic position data. If geographic position data isobtained, the computer 31 will, at step 254, store the position data inmemory and will, at step 255, display the position data on the display33. If geographic position data has not been received, the computer 31,at step 256, will generate an inquiry on the display 33 to determine ifgeographic position data is desired. The system will then await operatorresponse via the user interface 32. If the user selects to receivegeographic position data, the computer 31 will proceed to step 257 andcalculate geographic position data from the received “raw” positiondata.

[0284] The computer 31 will then, at step 254, store the data for thevehicle position and will, at step 255, display the vehicle positiondata on the display 33. If, at step 256, the user does not want toobtain geographic position data, the computer 31 will, at step 254,store the “raw” position data and display it on the display 33 in alatitude and/or longitude format, and/or in any other suitable and/orconventional format and/or manner which is utilized in conjunction withthe global positioning device 22 or global positioning technology.

[0285] At step 258, the computer 31 will determine if more than onevehicle position data point has been stored. If only one vehicleposition data point has been stored, the computer 31 will instruct thereceiver 30 to receive the next vehicle position data transmission atstep 252. If, at step 258, more than one vehicle position data point hasbeen stored, the computer 31 will, at step 259, calculate the track ofvehicle movement and display the vehicle movement track on the display33 at step 260. The computer 31, at step 261, will then determine if theauthorized user or operator desires to continue operation of the vehicleposition system receiver 14.

[0286] If the user or operator desires operation of the vehicle receiversystem receiver 14 to continue, such as is the case when the vehicle hasnot yet been found or recovered, the computer 31 will return tooperation, at step 252, and the receiver 30 will receive the nextvehicle position data transmission and operation of the vehicle positionsystem receiver 14 will continue. If, however, it is determined, at step261, that the user or operator desires to discontinue operation of thevehicle position system receiver 14, such as is the case when thevehicle has been found or recovered, the vehicle position systemreceiver 14 will be de-activated and its operation will cease at step262. Thereafter, the vehicle position system receiver 14 will await itsnext activation.

[0287] The above described operation of the vehicle position andlocating device 13 and the vehicle position system receiver 14 willcontinue to operate, and continuously update vehicle position data untilthe vehicle is found and/or recovered, at which point these systems maybe de-activated. It is envisioned that the apparatus 1 of the presentinvention may track and/or locate the vehicle anywhere in the world. Itis also important to note that vehicle position data, which is receivedat the vehicle position system receiver 14, may be output via a printer,via the computer display monitor and/or via a voice synthesized audiooutput via a speaker (not shown) which is connected to the vehicleposition receiver system 14.

[0288] In this manner, the apparatus 1 of the present invention may beutilized to find and/or recover a stolen vehicle and/or to monitorvehicle operation and/or vehicle location and/or movement.

[0289] In the above described manner, the present invention provides foran apparatus and a method for allowing an authorized user or operator ofa vehicle to prevent vehicle theft, to facilitate stolen vehiclerecovery, and/or to safely surrender the vehicle under force, or threatof force, while affording the authorized user or operator theopportunity to prevent or seriously thwart the vehicle theft from a safelocation or vantage point and facilitate vehicle recovery. The presentinvention may also be utilized to thwart, or prevent a vehicle thefteven if the vehicle theft was discovered at a later time or from alocation remote from the vehicle.

[0290] Further, the present invention provides for an apparatus and amethod for disabling and/or re-enabling various systems of the vehicle,when the vehicle is not in use, simply by “calling up” the apparatus 1,so as to disable the vehicle and provide added security against theft.In this manner, an authorized user or operator may disable the vehicleignition system 7, fuel pump system 9 and/or any of a variety of thevehicle equipment systems 11, of a vehicle which may be parked or inuse, from any location and/or at any time.

[0291] An authorized user or operator may also access the apparatus 1 atany time and, with the use of an appropriate command code, may determinethe operating status of the vehicle and/or any one or more of thevarious vehicle systems so as to determine if, for example, the ignitionsystem 7 or fuel pump system 9 is activated or on, thereby alerting theauthorized user or operator that someone is operating the vehicle. Anauthorized user or operator may also access the apparatus 1 so as todetermine vehicle position and/or location and/or the geographiclocation of the vehicle. In this manner, the authorized user or operatorcan provide monitoring and/or control over the vehicle and/or any of thevehicle equipment systems and/or devices, determine the status of thevehicle and/or of any of the vehicle equipment systems or devices,and/or determine and/or monitor the location of his or her vehicle atany time and for any reason. In this regard, a safe and an effectiveanti-theft and/or vehicle recovery apparatus and method is provided bythe present invention.

[0292] While, in the above description, the operation of the presentinvention has been described and illustrated in conjunction with the useof a valid disable command code and a valid re-enable or reset commandcode, it is also envisioned that any number of valid disable commandcodes and/or any number of valid re-enable or reset command codes may beutilized, wherein each different disable code or re-enable or reset codemay selectively disable or re-enable or reset any one or any combinationof the vehicle systems, such as the vehicle ignition system 7, thevehicle fuel pump system 9, and/or any one or more of the variousvehicle auxiliary equipment systems 11 which may be utilized. In thismanner, the authorized user or operator may utilize the presentinvention to selectively disable, re-enable, de-activate or re-activateany one or more of the vehicle systems, or a combination thereof, at hisor her discretion, at any time, wherever he or she may be. Theoperational program and/or interrupt service routine may be altered,modified and/or supplemented in order to service the multitude ofpossible command codes which may be utilized in conjunction with theapparatus 1.

[0293] As noted above, an authorized user or operator may also utilizecommand codes for determining status of the apparatus 1, or of thevehicle, or any one or more of the vehicle systems. A command code mayalso be employed to simply determine vehicle position data. In any ofthe above cases, however, the operational program or interrupt serviceroutine would have to be modified so as to identify and service each ofthe possible command codes. The operational program or interrupt serviceroutine would also have to be modified so as to identify each of thepossible valid command codes so as to provide for the appropriate CPU 4and apparatus 1 response thereto.

[0294] The apparatus 1, the CPU 4, and/or any of the vehicle systemsand/or devices and/or vehicle equipment systems, and/or the respectiveinterface devices associated therewith or corresponding thereto, mayalso be programmable by the user or operator via the transmitter 2,and/or at the vehicle in an appropriate manner and by an appropriatelysecured device, so that certain parameters, such as the timing, and/orthe degree of disabling or re-enabling, of the various vehicle systemsmay be programmed and/or controlled. Any of the above-described systemsand/or devices may be programmable for timed enabling and/or disabling,for timed activation, and/or for deferred activation, etc. By utilizinga multitude of command codes, including disable codes and/or re-enableor reset codes, which codes affect different vehicle systems, orcombinations thereof, it is possible to selectively control the vehiclesystems from a remote location. This feature provides for greaterversatility in the utilization of the apparatus 1.

[0295] By providing the capability for utilizing different disable codesand/or re-enable or reset codes, the authorized user or operator mayutilize the apparatus 1 of the present invention so as to disable orre-enable or reset the vehicle ignition system 7 and the vehicle fuelpump system 9, at any time, so as to disable the vehicle withoutactivating or de-activating any of the vehicle equipment systems 11, andtherefore, without drawing attention to the vehicle.

[0296] This feature would enable an authorized user or operator todisable, re-enable, or reset the vehicle ignition system 7, the vehiclefuel pump system 9, and/or activate or de-activate any one or more ofthe various vehicle equipment systems 11, so as to disable the vehicleat any time and from any location. In this manner, the authorized useror operator may disable the vehicle, and/or any of the vehicle systems,daily and/or nightly, while at work, before going to sleep at night, orat any other time, simply by accessing and activating the apparatus 1 byusing the transmitter 2 or transceiver which may simply be a touch-tonetelephone.

[0297] Since the vehicle ignition system 7 is usually off at thesetimes, the disabling, and the subsequent re-enabling of other vehiclesystems will occur as described above with regards to FIGS. 6A and 6B.In this manner, the present invention may provide for an effectivedevice by which to “lock-up” a vehicle, at any time, even when thevehicle is in the rightful possession, or under the control, of thevehicle owner and/or authorized operator.

[0298] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, thepresent invention can be utilized in order to provide control overand/or to monitor, the vehicle, any of the vehicle systems, devices,and/or components, vehicle operating status, the operating status of thevehicle's systems, devices, and/or components, video and/or audio insidethe vehicle, video and/or audio outside the vehicle, video and/or audioin the vicinity of the vehicle, to provide video conferencing withindividuals inside, outside, and/or in the vicinity of the vehicle, toprovide notification to a vehicle owner and/or operator of a anoperational status and/or state of disrepair of the vehicle and/or avehicle system, device, and/or component, to provide for remote vehiclediagnostic and/or repair functions, to provide notification from thevehicle CPU 4 regarding vehicle operation, operational status of thevehicle and/or any of the vehicle systems, devices, and/or components.

[0299] The present invention can also be utilized in order to providevideo and/or audio confirmation and/or verification of and/or for anycontrol, monitoring, and/or security, operation and/or activity whichcan be effected and/or facilitated via the apparatus of the presentinvention. In this manner, a user of the present invention who may, forexample, effect a control or monitoring function involving the vehicle(i.e. starting the engine, turning on the lights, activating the alarm,turning off the engine, turning the vehicle, and so on, etc.) can obtaina video and/or audio confirmation at and/or from the vehicle that theoperation has been effected.

[0300] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, therespective vehicle equipment system(s) and/or the command computer canascertain a state of disrepair in any vehicle system, device, and/orcomponent, and can provide notification to the CPU 4. The CPU 4 can thengenerate and/or transmit an appropriate notification signal to thecentral processing computer servicing the vehicle. The centralprocessing computer can thereafter generate and/or transmit anappropriate signal and/or message to the computer and/or communicationdevice associated with the vehicle owner or operator.

[0301] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, theapparatus of the present invention can be utilized in order to notifythe manufacturer, dealer, and/or repair center of a state of disrepair,thereby allowing the respective manufacturer, dealer, and/or repaircenter, to monitor the repairs of the respective vehicles, maintainsatisfactory inventories, and/or in other ways utilize this informationto better service their respective clients and/or customers.

[0302] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, thepresent invention can be utilized in order to provide remote diagnosticservices regarding the vehicle. The respective vehicle serviceindividuals and/or entities can access the vehicle via the computerand/or communication device associated with the service individualand/or entity and via the central processing computer. Vehicle, vehiclesystem, vehicle device and/or vehicle component, diagnostic data and/orinformation can be obtained at and/or from the vehicle and can betransmitted back to the computer and/or communication device of theservice individual and/or entity, via the central processing computerand/or directly. Thereafter, the diagnostic data and/or information canbe presented to and/or diagnosed at and/or by the computer and/orcommunication device associated with the service individual and/orentity. In this manner, the present invention can be utilized in orderto provide remote vehicle repair diagnostics. In instances wherein arepair can be effected by reprogramming a respective vehicle system,device, and/or component, the service individual and/or entity can thentransmit an appropriate repair signal to the vehicle from the computerand/or communication device associated with service individual and/orentity, either directly and/or via the central processing computer, tothe CPU 4 located at the vehicle. Thereafter, the CPU 4 can effect thereprogramming of the respective vehicle system, device, and/orcomponent. In this manner, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can be utilized in order to effect remote diagnostics andrepair of, for, and regarding and/or all of the vehicles, motorvehicles, boats, marine vessels, aircraft, equipment, structures, and/orpremises described herein.

[0303] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, theapparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized inconjunction with “smart” vehicle components and/or devices. These“smart” components and/or devices can detect wear, state of disrepair,and/or any other defined condition and/or state, of the respectivecomponent and/or device. Upon the detection of a condition or state forwhich an individual owner or operator may desire and/or should benotified, the respective “smart” component and/or device can generateand/or transmit an appropriate signal to the CPU 4 which can thengenerate and transmit a signal to the central processing computer. Thecentral processing computer can thereafter generate and/or transmit anappropriate signal to the computer and/or communication deviceassociated with the owner or operator of the vehicle. In a reversefashion, a vehicle owner or operator and/or an agent thereof can accessthe “smart” component, via the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can determine the condition and/or state of the “smart”component.

[0304]FIG. 9 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein an arming device 15 and an activation device 16 areutilized in conjunction with the components of the apparatus 1 ofFIG. 1. In FIG. 9, the arming device 15 is utilized to arm, activate, oraccess the apparatus 1 and provides a means by which to access theapparatus 1 separate and apart from the transmitter 2/receiver 3combination.

[0305] The arming device 15 may be a remote transmitter such as thoseutilized in conjunction with anti-theft devices or systems and/or alarmsystems. The arming device 15 may also be a switch, a card reader,including stripe card readers, proximity card readers, turnstile cardreaders, insertion card readers, key and key insertion devices andreaders, magnetic card readers and/or optical cards and/or card readers.The arming device 15 may also be a key switch, a key pad, a keylessactivation device with associated key, and/or any other suitable device.The arming device may also be, or include, a voice recognition device(s)or reader(s), voice signature device(s) or reader(s), fingerprintrecognition device(s) or reader(s), handprint recognition device(s) orreader(s), hand scanners and/or hand geometry readers. As with any ofthe above devices and/or components, the arming device(s) may bedirectly connected to the CPU 4 or may be linked to the CPU 4 via awireless communication link or medium.

[0306] It is also envisioned that, with a suitable arming device 15,such as a keypad or other device for data input, the authorized user oroperator may arm the apparatus 1 with a desired command code. In thismanner, a programmable arming device may be utilized wherein apparatusoperation, under the command of any of the variety of possible commandcodes, can be made automatic and/or programmable. An automaticactivation may also be performed by an appropriate code beingtransmitted to the apparatus 1 via the transmitter 2 or transceiver.

[0307] The activation device 16 is chosen to correspond with the armingdevice 15. In this regard, the activation device 16 may be a switch, akey switch, a keypad, a suitable card reader, including stripe cardreaders, proximity card readers, turnstile card readers, insertion cardreaders, key and key insertion devices and readers, magnetic cardreaders, optical card readers, insertion card readers, optical readersas well as a keyless security device. The activation device 16 isconnected directly to the CPU 4 as shown in FIG. 9 or it may beconnected to the CPU 4 via a wireless communication link or medium.

[0308] In certain circumstances, such as when a keypad, key switchand/or any of the various cards and card readers are employed, thearming device 15 and the activation device 16 may be one and the samedevice and/or comprise one and the same combination of devices.

[0309] The embodiment of FIG. 9 provides a mechanism by which anauthorized user or operator may arm, activate, and/or access theapparatus 1. Upon the arming, activation or accessing of the apparatus1, the CPU 4 will, upon the activation of the vehicle ignition system 7,monitor the activation device 16. After a selected and predeterminedtime interval, chosen in the preferred embodiment to be ten (10)seconds, has elapsed, if the user or operator of the vehicle has failedto successfully activate the activation device 16, either by activatingthe switch, by using the associated key, by inputting a predeterminedcode (i.e. password or pass code) into the keypad, or by utilizing theappropriate card or key or other device corresponding to the utilizedcard reader or other associated device, the CPU 4 will issue anappropriate disabling and/or command signal to activate the apparatus 1automatically so as to thereby disable the vehicle as described aboveand so as to also activate the vehicle position and locating device 13.

[0310] The command code may be pre-programmed as a default code and/ormay be operator selected and programmed in any manner described abovefor user or operator entry of such a code. In this regard, if anunauthorized user or operator fails to properly activate the activationdevice 16, within the predetermined time period, the CPU 4 willrecognize such failure as that which results from an unauthorized use oroperation of the vehicle.

[0311] In the above-described manner, the embodiment of FIG. 9 providesa mechanism by which the apparatus 1, may be activated automatically orself-activated. By utilizing the embodiment of FIG. 9, the authorizeduser or operator, after arming the apparatus 1, need not perform atransmission of an access code and a command code to the apparatus 1, asa default code, which is previously chosen and/or programmed into theapparatus 1 will provide a command signal to the CPU 4. As noted above,with an appropriate arming device 15, the command code may be userselected and/or programmable.

[0312] It is also important to note that the arming device 15/activationdevice 16 may be utilized to activate the apparatus 1 and/or any one ormore of the vehicle systems, including the ignition system 7, the fuelpump system 9, any one or more of the various vehicle equipment systems11 which are utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 1, and/or thevehicle position and locating device 13. In this regard, the armingdevice 15 and the activation device 16 provide a mechanism by which toautomatically activate the apparatus 1 along with any other anti-theftsystem utilized in the vehicle which may be controlled by the apparatus1. The vehicle position and locating device 13 may also be activated byan automatic activation of the apparatus 1.

[0313] It is also possible to program the apparatus 1 with a commandcode so that the apparatus will be programmed to become activated, orde-activated, automatically, such as upon the occurrence, or lackthereof, of a pre-defined event or occurrence and/or at any desiredtime. If the apparatus 1 has been programmed to become activatedautomatically, the transmitter 4A of the CPU 4 can transmit datarelating to vehicle status, apparatus status, the status of each of thevehicle systems utilized, as well as vehicle position data, to arespective receiver which is utilized by the authorized user or operatorand/or at the receiver located at a central security office. In thisregard, the present invention provides an apparatus and method by whicha vehicle and/or a premises can report a theft situation and/oroccurrence by itself. The apparatus can transmit a signal viatransmitter 4A, or any other suitable apparatus transmitter, to a user,operator, owner, occupant or authorized office or individual of, andfor, a respective vehicle or premises.

[0314] The apparatus may also be designed or programmed to notify theuser, operator, owner, occupant, authorized central office or individualwith, or by, multiple communication devices, methods and/or efforts. Theapparatus may be designed or programmed to telephone, telephone at analternate phone and/or at a business phone, beep or page, send afacsimile (fax) message transmission to, send a voice messagetransmission to, send an electronic mail message transmission to, and/orsend a message to an answering service for, a user, operator, owner,occupant, authorized central office or individual of, and for, therespective vehicle or premises.

[0315] In this regard, the apparatus may be designed or programmed totelephone an owner, user, operator, occupant, or other authorizedcentral office individual or other authorized individual, at a primaryphone number, at an alternate or forwarding phone number and/or at abusiness phone number, send a beeper or pager message to the individualor central office and/or send a facsimile, an electronic mail message, avoice mail message and/or an answering service message to, or for, theindividual or central office. In this manner, the apparatus may report atheft and/or a malfunction situation to the interested individual(s) byutilizing multiple notification and/or reporting avenues so as toprovide and ensure that the interested individual(s) are in factnotified as soon as possible.

[0316] The user, operator, owner or occupant of the respective vehicleor premises may also activate the apparatus from the vehicle or premisesand transmit a signal to the receiver 955 of the apparatus 950 at thecentral office and/or to the receiver 2C, if necessary, so as tocommunicate with individuals at these receiver locations and/or toreport an emergency, a breakdown and/or some other occurrence.

[0317] In this regard, the apparatus 1, when in the automatic activationmode, or simply when being monitored and/or during a status check, maytransmit data to the appropriate and respective devices. Further, inthis regard, the apparatus 1 of the present invention may be utilized toexercise and/or perform control, monitoring and/or security functions,to report and/or to prevent a vehicle theft and/or determine vehicleposition and/or location, in instances when the authorized user oroperator is unaware of the theft and/or does not have access to theapparatus or vehicle.

[0318] The apparatus and method of the present invention may also beprogrammable for programmed and/or automatic activation,self-activation, programmed and/or automatic operation and/orself-operation. The apparatus and method of the present invention mayprovide for an immediate, as well as for a deferred, control, monitoringand/or security function, and/or response thereto, so as to provide forthe immediate and/or the deferred control, activation, deactivation,programming, monitoring and/or security, etc., of any one or more of therespective vehicle systems, equipment, devices, appliances, etc., whichmay be utilized in the above described embodiments as well any of theembodiments described hereinbelow.

[0319] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, thevehicle position and locating device 13 includes a plurality of globalpositioning devices which are strategically located at various pointsand/or locations in, or on, the vehicle. FIG. 10 illustrates anotherpreferred embodiment of the vehicle position and locating device whichis denoted by the reference numeral 130. In FIG. 10, the vehicleposition and/or locating device 130 includes five (5) global positioningdevices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D and 22E with corresponding global positioningreceivers 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D and 23E, respectively, associatedtherewith. The vehicle position and/or locating device 130 also includesposition data transmitter 24 and a digital map database 25.

[0320] Each of the global positioning devices 22A-22E is placed at adifferent point and/or location in, or on, the vehicle. The distancesbetween each of the global positioning devices is recorded and stored inthe computer 21. Upon the activation of the global positioning devices22A-22E and the calculation of each position or location of each device,the position data is transmitted to, or read by, the computer 21, and adetermination is made as to whether the initially stored distancesbetween the devices have changed.

[0321] Any change in distance between any two or more of the respectiveglobal positioning devices 22A-22E would represent that the vehicle, orat least a portion thereof, has been dismantled, at least in part, andpossibly to a greater extent, depending upon the resulting disparity inthe respective distances. This information may then be transmitted viatransmitter 24 to the vehicle position system receiver 14 and theauthorized user or operator can be notified of this condition. In thismanner, it can be ascertained if a vehicle has been dismantled,“chopped”, or stripped, which information may be vital in the recoveryprocess, and in the insurance claims process. The embodiment of FIG. 10can also be utilized in order to ascertain if the vehicle has beencompacted or “boxed.” In this manner, the present invention may also beutilized in order to determine if the vehicle has been structurallyaltered in any manner.

[0322] The apparatus and the method of the present invention may also beutilized in conjunction with a central security office or agency, suchas a private security service, or by local or regional law enforcementoffices or agencies, in order to provide a prompt means by which toreport a vehicle theft, provide for a manner in which to disable and/orre-enable a vehicle system, and/or to determine vehicle position and/orlocation so as to facilitate the recovery of the vehicle. In such anembodiment, vehicle owners will register their vehicles and any and allnecessary information pertaining thereto, including access and commandcodes, with the central security office.

[0323] The present invention may also be utilized so as to provide for acentralized control and/or monitoring of and/or for any of the vehicleand/or premises described herein, and/or for prompt law enforcementtheft reporting, response to the theft report and/or recovery of therespective vehicles described herein. FIG. 11A illustrates anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the apparatus 1 isutilized in conjunction with a central processing computer which can belocated at a central security office or agency, such as a privatesecurity service, or by a local or regional law enforcement office oragency. In FIG. 11A, the apparatus 1 is utilized in conjunction with anassociated apparatus 950 which, in the preferred embodiment, is locatedat the central security office.

[0324] The apparatus 950 includes a receiver 955 which may, but neednot, be identical to the receiver 3 which is utilized in the apparatus1. The receiver 955 should be capable of receiving the various codeswhich can be transmitted by the transmitter 2 or transceiver (i.e.access code(s) and command code(s)) for any one or for any number ofvehicles which may be registered with the central security office. Thereceiver 955 should be capable of receiving the access code(s) andcommand code(s) for each registered apparatus.

[0325] In the embodiment of FIG. 11A, the apparatus 950 also includes acentral processing computer 970, which is connected to the receiver 955.The apparatus 950 also includes a vehicle position system receiver 960for receiving position data which is transmitted from the vehicleposition and locating device 13. The position data system receiver 960is also connected to the central processing computer 970. The centralprocessing computer 970 also includes the requisite memory ROM and RAMdevices (not shown). The apparatus 950 also includes a display device980, a user interface device 975 and an output device 985 which can be aprinter, all of which devices are connected to the central processingcomputer 970 and are utilized in conjunction therewith.

[0326] The apparatus 950 also includes a transmitter 965 which isconnected to the central processing computer 970. The transmitter 965serves to transmit data to the apparatus 1. The transmitter 965 may alsobe utilized to transmit data to the transmitter 2, to the vehicleposition system receiver 14 and/or to the home and/or personal computer150, if utilized. Such data which is transmitted from the transmitter965 may include the various access and command codes and/or other codes,such as those codes for ascertaining the status of the vehicle, theapparatus 1, or any one or more of the vehicle systems which arecontrolled, monitored, and/or secured or used in conjunction with theapparatus 1.

[0327] In the preferred embodiment, the receiver 955, the vehicleposition system receiver 960, and the transmitter 965 are the same typesof devices as those utilized in the apparatus of FIG. 1. In this regard,the receivers 955 and 960, and the transmitter 965, are devices forreceiving, and transmitting, respectively, radio signals, satellitecommunication signals, telecommunications signals, optical communicationsignals and/or other signals and/or those signals, including digitalsignals, which are utilized in conjunction with personal communicationdevices and/or personal communication services (PCS) devices. Thedevices utilized should, however, be of the same type and/or operatecompatibly with the corresponding transmitters and receivers of theapparatus 1.

[0328] It is envisioned that the authorized user or operator willregister his or her vehicle with the apparatus 950 such as byregistering vehicle identification information along with vehicle accessand command code data along with any other pertinent informationdescribed herein. Further, the receiver 955 is programmed to receive anyand all of the signals transmitted from each one of the respectiveregistered transmitters 2 of the respectively registered vehicles.

[0329] The vehicle position system receiver 960 is programmed to receivethe vehicle position data which is transmitted by each one of therespectively registered vehicle position and locating devices 13 of eachof the respectively registered vehicles.

[0330] The apparatus 950 is utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 1in the following manner. As noted above, the central processing computer970 is capable of recognizing all of the possible access code(s) andcommand code(s) which are recognized by the apparatus 1 for a particularvehicle. The apparatus 950 is capable of storing vehicle identificationinformation as well as access code and command code data for a pluralityof registered vehicles.

[0331] Upon the occurrence of a vehicle theft, or the discovery thereof,the authorized user or operator can access the apparatus 1 in the mannerdescribed above. In a first embodiment, the access code is transmittedto and received at, the receiver 3 of apparatus 1 and at the receiver955 of apparatus 950. Upon receipt of the access code by both thereceiver 3 and the receiver 950, both the apparatus 1 and the apparatus950, respectively, will be accessed.

[0332] Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subjectmatter of U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,579 which teaches a code divisionmultiplexed acknowledge back (ack-back) paging system which includes acentral station which transmits a group of message signals to a group ofack-back pagers which are addressed as a group.

[0333] The signal received at the receiver 955 is transmitted to, orread from, the central processing computer 970 of the apparatus 950. Thecentral processing computer 970 will then identify the vehicle which isstolen and/or which has been accessed. When the authorized user oroperator transmits the command code, the command code is received at thereceiver 955 of the apparatus 950 as well as at the receiver 3 of theapparatus 1. In this regard, when the apparatus 1 is processing thecommand code and performing the functions corresponding thereto, thecentral processing computer 970 of the apparatus 950 is simultaneouslyand/or concurrently processing the command code data so that theauthorized personnel monitoring the apparatus 950 will be aware of whichcommand code has been transmitted by the authorized user or operator andwhich operations are being exercised and/or performed, or are to beperformed, on the vehicle (i.e., vehicle ignition system and/or fuelpump system disabled, etc.). The authorized personnel monitoring theapparatus 950 will also be aware of which operations and/or systems,equipment, devices and/or appliances, are being controlled, monitoredand/or secured. The apparatus 950, in the preferred embodiment, may alsobe utilized to exercise and/or perform control, monitoring and/orsecurity functions on, or over, the vehicle and/or any of the vehiclesystems, equipment, devices and/or appliances.

[0334] Upon the transmission of the vehicle position data from thevehicle position and locating device 13, the vehicle position data willbe transmitted to, and received by, the vehicle position system receiver960 of the apparatus 950 as well as by the vehicle position systemreceiver 14 of the apparatus 1. The central processing computer 970 ofthe apparatus 950 will process the received vehicle position datasimultaneously and/or concurrently with the processing of said positiondata by the CPU 4 of the apparatus 1.

[0335] In this regard, the vehicle position data can be processed by,and at, the apparatus 950. Vehicle position data can then be displayedto authorized personnel at the central security office on the displaydevice 980 or output via the output device 985 which may be a printer.While operation of the apparatus 950 may be automatic, authorizedpersonnel may enter commands so as to provide control over, or operate,the apparatus 950 via the user interface 975, if desired.

[0336] In this manner, vehicle location or movement may be displayed,and/or tracked, on the display device 980 or output via the outputdevice 985 at the central security office. In this regard, authorizedpersonnel at the central security office or agency could locate or trackthe vehicle and alert the proper authorities.

[0337] In yet another embodiment, the access code may be onlytransmitted to, and received by, the receiver 955 of the apparatus 950.The apparatus 1 may then be accessed and controlled via access andcommand codes which are transmitted by the transmitter 965 of theapparatus 950 which access and command codes are received by thereceiver 3 of the respective vehicle. In this embodiment, the authorizedpersonnel may provide control over the apparatus 1 by inputting data andcommands into the user interface 975. In this embodiment, the vehicleposition data and any data transmitted by the CPU 4 of the apparatus 1,is transmitted to, and received by, the vehicle position receiver system960 and/or at the vehicle position system receiver 14, respectively.

[0338] In yet another embodiment, the access code may be transmitted andreceived only at the receiver 3 thereby accessing the apparatus 1. Thevehicle transmitter 3A then transmits a data signal to the receiver 955of the apparatus 950 thereby alerting the apparatus 950 that the vehiclehas been stolen. Command code data as well as other data may then betransmitted to the apparatus 1 via the transmitter 965 of the apparatus950. The apparatus 950 may be designed to operate and/or perform any andall of the described functions automatically and without operatorintervention. Vehicle position data may then be received by the vehicleposition receiver system 960 and/or at the vehicle position systemreceiver 14, respectively. The vehicle position data may then beprocessed at the central processing computer 970 of the apparatus 950and/or at the computer 31 of the vehicle position system receiver 14.

[0339] In this manner, the apparatus 950 can serve to provide controlover, and monitor the functions of, the apparatus 1 for a vehicle or fora plurality of vehicles, and further, the apparatus 950 provides themeans by which to allow a central security office or local or regionallaw enforcement office or agency to exercise and/or perform control,monitoring and/or security functions over the vehicles which areregistered therewith. The apparatus and method of the present inventionmay also be utilized to monitor the operational status, operation and/orstate or status of a one or more of the various vehicle systems,components and/or devices. In the case where the apparatus 1 isautomatically activated, as described above, the apparatus 1 cantransmit a signal, indicative of vehicle theft and/or an unauthorizeduse or operation of the vehicle, to the apparatus 950 thereby reportingthe unauthorized use or operation, or theft, before the authorized useror operator is able to discover same.

[0340] The apparatus 950 may also be utilized so as to verify andmonitor apparatus accessing and/or activation by the authorized user oroperator. The authorized user or operator may “call” the centralsecurity office simply to determine the status and/or the whereabouts orlocation of his or her vehicle. Both the apparatus 1 and the apparatus950 can provide the same functions and exercise the same control,monitoring, and/or security functions over the vehicle.

[0341] The above-described preferred embodiment, wherein the presentinvention is utilized in conjunction with a central security office,such as a private security agency, or a local or regional lawenforcement office, agency and/or authority, provides for andfacilitates a prompt and an immediate reporting of a vehicle theft orunauthorized use, and/or provides for ascertaining the status and/or thelocation of and/or the monitoring of the vehicle. This embodiment alsoallows the authorized user or operator to take any of the possible stepsby which to report and/or to thwart the vehicle theft and activate avehicle recovery system. Law enforcement efforts could be greatlyassisted and enhanced as information which identifies the vehicle couldthen be immediately available to the central security office and/or tothe local or regional law enforcement authorities. Such an embodimentcould also greatly assist in processing insurance claims relating tostolen vehicles.

[0342] The apparatus 950 may also be utilized in connection with anon-line service and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or the World WideWeb, or other suitable communication network or medium, in a manneranalogous to that described above in connection with the utilization ofa home and/or a personal computer 150.

[0343]FIG. 11B illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention wherein the apparatus of FIG. 11A is utilized inconjunction with an on-line service and/or on, or over, the Internetand/or the World Wide Web or other suitable communication network ormedium. In FIG. 11B, the home and/or personal computer 150 of FIG. 5A isutilized in place of the transmitter 2 or transceiver and the vehicleposition system receiver 14. The apparatus 950 has associated therewithan on-line service and/or an Internet computer system or server 952 withan associated server receiver 953 and transmitter 957 for receiving andtransmitting, respectively, any and all data utilized in conjunctionwith the operation of the server 952, the apparatus 1 and the apparatus950.

[0344] The transmitter 957 transmits any and all appropriate signals tothe appropriate and respective devices of the arrangement of FIG. 11Bduring apparatus operation. In this regard, the server 952 can exerciseand/or perform control, monitoring and/or security functions on, orover, the apparatus 1 and the apparatus 950 and also provide for anapparatus which can be utilized, in its entirety, over an on-lineservice and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web orother suitable communication network or medium. In FIG. 11B, a Web Site954 is associated with the server 952.

[0345] Any and all data received by the receiver 955 is also received bythe server receiver 953. Data which is transmitted by the home and/orpersonal computer 150, the CPU transmitter 4A, the receiver transmitter3A and the vehicle position and locating device transmitter 24 arereceived by the server receiver 953 as well as by the receivers 955 and960, respectively.

[0346] The server 952 will process the data received by the serverreceiver 953 and perform the same processing functions and/or computingfunctions as the central processing computer 970, the CPU 4, and/or thecomputer 150.

[0347] The user may transmit data, via the home and/or personal computer150, directly to the apparatus 1, to the apparatus 950 and/or to theserver 952. By using the computer 150 in conjunction with an appropriatecommunications medium, the authorized user or operator may access theserver 952 via the on-line service and/or via the associated Web site954, or in any other appropriate manner, so as to provide control over,and/or obtain any and all of the above-described data and/or informationregarding, his or her vehicle over the on-line service and/or on, orover, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web or other suitablecommunication network or medium.

[0348] The authorized user or operator may also access and providecontrol over or exercise and/or perform control, monitoring and/orsecurity functions on, or over, the apparatus 1, the apparatus 950and/or the server 952 via the on-line service and/or via the Web Site954. In this regard, the present invention enables an authorized user oroperator to provide control over vehicle systems and/or monitor thevehicle system status and/or position and/or movement of the vehicleover an on-line service and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or theWorld Wide Web or other suitable communication network or medium. Theapparatus transmitters, of the transmitter 2, the receiver 3, the CPU 4,and the vehicle position and locating device 13, once the apparatus 1has been activated, may also transmit data directly to the receiver 953of the server 952 and/or to the Web Site 954. In this manner, all of thedata transmitted by the apparatus 1 and/or by the apparatus 950 can besupplied to the server 952 of the on-line service and/or the Internetand/or the Web Site 954 of the World Wide Web.

[0349] Data access and command code data, as well as other data, mayalso be transmitted by the authorized user or operator, via therespective apparatus transmitters to the receiver 953 of the server 952and/or to the Web Site 954.

[0350] The server 952 can perform complete control, monitoring and/orsecurity functions on, or over, the apparatus 1, the apparatus 950, thevehicle, and/or each of the vehicle systems. The apparatus and method ofthe present invention may be equipped with software and hardware forproviding a systematic check of any and all of the apparatus and vehiclesystems, including the status or state of the vehicle equipment systems,equipment, devices and/or appliances and provide data relating theretoto the user or operator and/or to the authorized individual(s) at theabove-described central security office. The server transmitter 957 cantransmit control signals and/or other data, including information to theauthorized user or operator and to the apparatus 1 and/or to theapparatus 950. It is also envisioned that the server 952 and the centralprocessing computer 970 may be combined into a single central computersystem.

[0351] In the above manner, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention provides a remote-controlled control, monitoring and/orsecurity system, or vehicle anti-theft and/or vehicle recovery apparatusand method, for use in conjunction with an on-line service and/or on, orover, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web or other suitablecommunication network or medium. In this manner, the apparatus andmethod of the present invention also provides for a remote-controlledcontrol, monitoring and/or security system which provides visual, video,graphical, audio and/or audible information to the user. Use over theInternet and/or the World Wide Web and/or other related communicationsystems and/or mediums and/or over on-line services provides for globalcoverage, control, monitoring and/or security for the vehicle.

[0352] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, thepresent invention can be utilized in order to provide control overand/or to monitor, the vehicle, any of the vehicle systems, devices,and/or components, vehicle operating status, the operating status of thevehicle's systems, devices, and/or components, video and/or audio insidethe vehicle, video and/or audio outside the vehicle, video and/or audioin the vicinity of the vehicle, to provide video conferencing withindividuals inside, outside, and/or in the vicinity of the vehicle, toprovide notification to a vehicle owner and/or operator of a anoperational status and/or state of disrepair of the vehicle and/or avehicle system, device, and/or component, to provide for remote vehiclediagnostic and/or repair functions, to provide notification from thevehicle CPU 4 regarding vehicle operation, operational status of thevehicle and/or any of the vehicle systems, devices, and/or components.

[0353] The present invention can also be utilized in order to providevideo and/or audio confirmation and/or verification of and/or for anycontrol, monitoring, and/or security, operation and/or activity whichcan be effected and/or facilitated via the apparatus of the presentinvention. In this manner, a user of the present invention who may, forexample, effect a control or monitoring function involving the vehicle(i.e. starting the engine, turning on the lights, activating the alarm,turning off the engine, turning the vehicle, and so on, etc.) can obtaina video and/or audio confirmation at and/or from the vehicle that theoperation has been effected.

[0354] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, therespective vehicle equipment system(s) and/or the command computer canascertain a state of disrepair in any vehicle system, device, and/orcomponent, and can provide notification to the CPU 4. The CPU 4 can thengenerate and/or transmit an appropriate notification signal to thecentral processing computer servicing the vehicle. The centralprocessing computer can thereafter generate and/or transmit anappropriate signal and/or message to the computer and/or communicationdevice associated with the vehicle owner or operator.

[0355] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, theapparatus of the present invention can be utilized in order to notifythe manufacturer, dealer, and/or repair center of a state of disrepair,thereby allowing the respective manufacturer, dealer, and/or repaircenter, to monitor the repairs of the respective vehicles, maintainsatisfactory inventories, and/or in other ways utilize this informationto better service their respective clients and/or customers.

[0356] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, thepresent invention can be utilized in order to provide remote diagnosticservices regarding the vehicle. The respective vehicle serviceindividuals and/or entities can access the vehicle via the computerand/or communication device associated with the service individualand/or entity and via the central processing computer.

[0357] Vehicle, vehicle system, vehicle device and/or vehicle component,diagnostic data and/or information can be obtained at and/or from thevehicle and can be transmitted back to the computer and/or communicationdevice of the service individual and/or entity, via the centralprocessing computer and/or directly. Thereafter, the diagnostic dataand/or information can be presented to and/or diagnosed at and/or by thecomputer and/or communication device associated with the serviceindividual and/or entity. In this manner, the present invention can beutilized in order to provide remote vehicle repair diagnostics.

[0358] In instances wherein a repair can be effected by reprogramming arespective vehicle system, device, and/or component, the serviceindividual and/or entity can then transmit an appropriate repair signalto the vehicle from the computer and/or communication device associatedwith service individual and/or entity, either directly and/or via thecentral processing computer, to the CPU 4 located at the vehicle.Thereafter, the CPU 4 can effect the reprogramming of the respectivevehicle system, device, and/or component. In this manner, the apparatusand method of the present invention can be utilized in order to effectremote diagnostics and repair of, for, and regarding and/or all of thevehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels, aircraft, equipment,structures, and/or premises described herein.

[0359] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, theapparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized inconjunction with “smart” vehicle components and/or devices. These“smart” components and/or devices can detect wear, state of disrepair,and/or any other defined condition and/or state, of the respectivecomponent and/or device. Upon the detection of a condition or state forwhich an individual owner or operator may desire and/or should benotified, the respective “smart” component and/or device can generateand/or transmit an appropriate signal to the CPU 4 which can thengenerate and transmit a signal to the central processing computer. Thecentral processing computer can thereafter generate and/or transmit anappropriate signal to the computer and/or communication deviceassociated with the owner or operator of the vehicle. In a reversefashion, a vehicle owner or operator and/or an agent thereof can accessthe “smart” component, via the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can determine the condition and/or state of the “smart”component.

[0360] In another preferred embodiment, the vehicle equipment system(s)11 can also include a vehicle operation data monitoring device whichmonitors vehicle operation such as vehicle speed, the status of any ofthe vehicle systems (i.e. ignition system, fuel pump system, positioningsystem), and/or any of the vehicle equipment systems described herein,direction of travel, attitude of travel, video inside, outside, and/orat, the vehicle, audio inside, outside, and/or at, the vehicle, activityinside, outside, and/or at, the vehicle, and/or any other electrical,mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, and/or other system, equipmentsystem, device, component, and/or appliance.

[0361] The vehicle operation data monitoring device can be connected to,and/or linked with, any of the herein-described systems, equipmentsystems, subsystems, devices, components, and/or appliances, including,but not limited to, speedometer, cruise control device, gyroscope,gyrocompass, directional light device(s), light system(s), door locksystem(s), attitude measuring device(s), ignition system, brakingsystem, electronic system(s), hydraulic system(s), video recordingdevice(s) or camera(s), audio recording device(s) or microphone(s),and/or any other systems, equipment systems, devices, components, and/orappliances, described herein and/or otherwise, for controlling and/ormonitoring the operation of same and/or for monitoring activity at thevehicle.

[0362] The vehicle operation data monitoring device can operate and/orfunction in a manner similar to, and/or analogous to, an aircraft flightdata recorder in monitoring and/or recording operation data. Inaddition, the vehicle operation data monitoring device can receive anyand/or all of the data monitored and transmit same to the any of theherein-described transmitters 2, home and/or personal computers 150,and/or any of the server computers 510, computers 970, and/or servercomputers 952, and/or any other computers and/or communication devices,which can be utilized to receive this data and/or information. In thismanner, the vehicle operation and/or movement can be monitored by,and/or at, any of the herein-described transmitters, home and/orpersonal computers, computers, and/or server computers.

[0363] The vehicle operation data monitoring device can transmit anyand/or all vehicle operation data to a respective transmitter(s), homeand/or personal computer(s), computer(s), and/or server computer(s), inreal-time, live, in a time-delayed manner, and/or in any otherappropriate manner. The vehicle operation data monitoring device canalso record and/or store any of the operation data monitored thereby.

[0364] Any data and/or information which is received from the vehicleoperation data monitoring device can be stored at any of theherein-described transmitters 2, home and/or personal computers 150,and/or any of the server computers 510, computers 970, and/or servercomputers 952, and/or any other computers and/or communication devices,which can be utilized to receive this data. The data and/or informationwhich is received from the vehicle operation data monitoring device canbe stored in any suitable manner which can typically involve storingsame digitally, storing same digitally in an overwriting manner, sothat, for example, the data can be stored and/or overwritten for a giventime period and overwriting same, storing same in a looping and/orre-circulating storage medium or tape, storing same in a manner utilizedin conjunction with, and/or similar to, the manner in which data and/orinformation is stored in aircraft flight data recorders and/or aircraftcockpit voice recorders.

[0365] The vehicle operation data monitoring device can be accessed byany of the herein-described transmitters, home and/or personalcomputers, computers, and/or server computers, and/or the individualsutilizing same, in order to monitor and/or ascertain vehicle operation,and/or video and/or audio activity inside, outside, and/or at, thevehicle, at any time and/or to retrieve and/or to access operating dataregarding vehicle operation and/or movement, and/or video and/or audioactivity inside, outside, and/or at, the vehicle, which has beenrecorded and/or stored by the vehicle operation data monitoring device.For example, vehicle operating data and/or information, along with videoand/or audio information inside, outside, and/or at the vehicle, can beaccesses and/or obtained.

[0366] The vehicle operation data monitoring device can be utilized tomonitor vehicle operation, to investigate a malfunction, to diagnosis amalfunction or other problem, to investigate a cause of an accident,and/or can be utilized for any other purpose.

[0367] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle operation data monitoringdevice can be programmed to monitor vehicle operation data and/or totransmit same to any respective transmitter, home and/or personalcomputer, computer, central computer, and/or server computer,continuously, at certain times, and/or under certain conditions, such asa detection by the CPU 4 and/or by the vehicle operation data monitor.

[0368] The vehicle operation data monitoring device can also beactivated remotely by any individual via any respective transmitter,home and/or personal computer, computer, central computer, and/or servercomputer, and/or user of same. The vehicle operation data monitoringdevice can also be activated by a vehicle operator and/or occupantand/or via any other individual.

[0369] The data and/or information obtained from the vehicle operationdata monitoring device can be stored at any of the respectivetransmitters, home and/or personal computers, computers, centralcomputers, and/or server computers, for accessing at any time. The dataand/or information can be stored at the vehicle operation datamonitoring device, and/or at any of the herein-described and respectivetransmitters, home and/or personal computers, computers, centralcomputers, and/or server computers, in a “loop tape” manner and/ordigitally in a looping and/or data overwriting manner so that, forexample, only a most recent time period is recorded.

[0370] The vehicle operation data monitoring device can be utilized inconjunction with the present invention so as to obtain, to record,and/or access, and/or analyze, vehicle operation data at the vehicleand/or from a location remote from the vehicle, in a networkenvironment, thereby facilitating the monitoring and/or the analysis ofvehicle operation data.

[0371] In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention isutilized in conjunction with a marine vessel or vehicle. FIG. 12illustrates another preferred embodiment of the present invention,wherein the apparatus and method is utilized in conjunction with a boat.In FIG. 12, the apparatus is denoted generally by the reference numeral1200. While the boat described below is a motor-powered boat, any typeof boat, including, but not limited to sailboats, may also be utilizedin conjunction with the present invention.

[0372] In FIG. 12, the components of the apparatus 1200 which are commonto the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 are designated by the same referencenumerals. In FIG. 12, the CPU 4 is electrically connected and/or linkedto the boat ignition system 1207, which is located externally from theapparatus 1200. The CPU 4 may or may not be connected and/or linked withthe boat ignition system 1207 through an ignition system interface 1208which is also shown in FIG. 12. The CPU 4 may transmit signals to, aswell as receive signals from, the boat ignition system 1207. In thismanner, the CPU 4 and the boat ignition system 1207, may exchangeinformation between each other. In this manner, the CPU 4, uponreceiving an appropriate signal from the receiver 3, and upon thecompletion of the requisite data processing routine(s), may issue anelectrical, an electronic, and/or any other suitable signal, including adigital command signal, to the boat ignition system 1207. Thiselectrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal, or digital commandsignal, may be one which will disable the boat ignition system 1207 orone which will re-enable or reset the boat ignition system 1207. The CPU4 may also interrogate the boat ignition system 1207 and/or receive datafrom the boat ignition system 1207 which is indicative of boat ignitionsystem status (i.e., whether the boat ignition system 1207 is on oroff).

[0373] In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is also electricallyconnected and/or linked to the boat fuel pump system 1209 which is alsolocated externally from the apparatus 1. The CPU 4 may or may not beconnected and/or linked with the boat fuel pump system 1209 through afuel pump system interface 1210 which is also shown in FIG. 12. In thecase of an electrical or an electronic fuel pump system, the CPU 4 mayprovide an electrical, an electronic, and/or other suitable signal,including a digital signal, which will disable or re-enable the boatfuel pump system 1209.

[0374] In the case of a mechanical fuel pump system, the CPU 4 mayprovide an electrical, electronic, and/or other suitable signal,including a digital signal, which will disable or re-enable anelectrical valve system, which may be used to control the operation ofthe mechanical fuel pump system. Whichever the case may be, the CPU 4will be capable of issuing an electrical, electronic and/or othersuitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable or to re-enablethe boat fuel pump system 1209. The CPU 4 may also interrogate and/orreceive data from the boat fuel pump system 1209 which is indicative ofboat fuel pump system status (i.e., whether the boat fuel pump system1209 is on or off). The CPU 4 may also be electrically connected and/orlinked to an appropriate device (not shown) for controlling theoperation of a boat exhaust system.

[0375] The CPU 4, in the preferred embodiment, is also electricallyconnected and/or linked to at least one or more of a boat equipmentsystem(s) 1211. The boat equipment system(s) 1211 are located externallyfrom the apparatus 1 and may or may not be connected and/or linked tothe CPU 4, via a boat equipment system(s) interface device(s) 1212 whichmay or may not be required for each one of the variety or multitude ofthe boat equipment systems which may be utilized in conjunction with theapparatus.

[0376] The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may include a loud siren oralarm, which may be located in the cabin or passenger compartment of theboat and, which may produce a loud piercing sound so as to make itunbearable for an intruder to remain inside the boat cabin and/orpassenger compartment. The boat equipment system 1211 may also includean external siren or alarm, which may produce a loud piercing sound,which may be utilized to draw attention to the boat. The boat equipmentsystem 1211 may also include a horn, which may blare continuously orintermittently, so as to also draw attention to the boat. The boatequipment system(s) 1211 can also include “smart” windows which turnopaque and/or darker depending upon interior lighting.

[0377] The boat external light system(s), which may include the boathead lights, tail lights or flashers, which may be constantlyilluminated or which may blink on and off repeatedly so as to drawattention to the boat, may also be utilized as a boat equipment system1211. The boat equipment system 1211 may also include a power door orhatch locking system, including electronic and/or electrical dead boltlocking devices, for securing the boat cabin, cockpit or passengercompartment so as to prevent an entry thereunto or an exit therefrom. Inaddition, the boat equipment system(s) 1211 may include an enginecompartment locking device, such as an electrical and/or mechanicallocking device, for preventing unauthorized access into the boat enginecompartment, so as to prevent any tampering with the apparatus 1 or withother systems and/or components of the boat.

[0378] The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also include any one ormore of the widely known boat anti-theft systems and may also include aboat recovery system or device, including a homing and/or a trackingsystem, each of which system(s) may be activated by the apparatus 1200of the present invention. The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may alsoinclude communication devices, such as two-way radios, radios,televisions, navigational devices and/or equipment, fire extinguishingequipment, pumping devices for pumping water out of the boat, radardevices and equipment, emergency and/or distress signal equipment, sonardevices and/or equipment, and any electrical, electronic and/orotherwise activated appliances and/or equipment which may be utilized ona boat. Appliances may include household appliances such asrefrigerators, stoves, air conditioners, ovens, microwave ovens,lighting systems, etc. The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may alsoinclude systems for detecting failures in any of the above or any otherequipment systems and report such failures to the user or operatorwhether he or she is operating the boat or is not onboard the boatand/or for reporting such failures to a central office.

[0379] The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also include videorecording and/or photographing equipment, which may include videorecording device(s) and/or a camera(s), such as those utilized inconjunction with personal computers, televisions, digital televisions,interactive televisions, display telephones, video telephones, and/orother communication devices, including personal communication devices,or a still picture camera(s). The video recording device(s) or camera(s)may be digital recording devices or cameras or other suitable devices orcameras, including typical video recording devices or cameras. The videorecording device(s) or camera(s), in a preferred embodiment, hasassociated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system fortransmitting video images recorded by the video recording device(s) orcamera(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signals such as, forexample, control signals, by which the user or operator may exercisecontrol over the video recording device(s) or camera(s).

[0380] The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may be located at anylocation on the interior of the boat such as, for example, in the cabin,cockpit, and/or passenger compartment of the boat so that the user oroperator, or any other authorized individual, may observe and/orphotograph the operator of the boat, or the occupants and/or cargo ofthe boat. The video recording(s) or camera(s) may also be located on theboat exterior. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may have wideangles for maximum angular viewing and may also be pivotable and/ormovable. The video device(s) or camera(s) can be moveable along a trackor other guiding device or element so that the respective videorecording device or camera can be moved along the boat interior orexterior. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may record and/ortransmit the recorded video and/or the picture(s) in real time and/orlive. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may also be equippedwith a storage medium, for storing the recorded video and/or picture(s),and a transmitter or transceiver for transmitting the stored videoand/or picture(s) to the user or operator at a later time. In thismanner, real-time, as well as deferred, video and/or picture(s)transmissions may be provided.

[0381] The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also include audiorecording equipment, which may include audio recording device(s) such asmicrophones and/or tape recorders, such as those utilized in conjunctionwith personal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactivetelevisions, telephones, cellular telephones, display telephones, videotelephones, and/or other communication devices, including personalcommunication devices. The audio recording device(s) may be digitalaudio recording devices or other suitable audio devices includingtypical audio recording devices. The audio recording device(s), in apreferred embodiment, has associated therewith a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system for transmitting the recorded audio to theuser or operator and for receiving signals such as, for example, controlsignals, by which the user or operator may exercise control over theaudio recording device(s).

[0382] The audio recording device(s) may be located at any location onthe interior and/or exterior of the boat so that the user or operator,or any other authorized individual, may hear what is transpiring, and/orwhat has transpired, inside and/or outside the boat. The audio recordingdevice(s) may also be pivotable and/or movable. The audio device(s) ormicrophone(s) can be moveable along a track or other guiding device orelement so that the respective audio recording device or microphone canbe moved along the boat interior or exterior. The audio recordingdevice(s) may record and/or transmit the recorded audio in real timeand/or live. The audio recording device(s) may also be equipped with astorage medium, for storing the recorded audio, and a transmitter ortransceiver for transmitting the stored audio at a later time. In thismanner, real-time as well as deferred audio transmissions may beprovided.

[0383] The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also include an intercomsystem or device or telephone, cellular, digital or otherwise forproviding a means by which to allow the user or operator, or otherauthorized operator, to communicate with the operator and/or occupantsof the boat. The boat equipment system 1211 can also include videoconferencing devices and/or equipment for enabling the boat occupantsand/or individuals inside the boat, outside the boat, and/or in thevicinity of the boat, to engage in and/or partake in video conferencesand/or video conferencing with others via a communication network.

[0384] The boat equipment system(s) 1211 can also include the boatbattery or batteries, boat fuel cell or fuel cells, battery monitoringequipment, battery charge level, fuel cell output, fuel cell fuelsupply, fuel cell temperature measuring device, fuel cell by-product(i.e. water or other by-product, heat, etc.) measuring device, fuel celloutput measuring device (i.e. voltmeter, ammeter, current measure, powermeter, etc.), a boat rudder, a rudder control and/or monitoring device,a depth sounding device and/or depth sounding control and/or monitoringdevice, a navigation system, a navigation control and/or monitoringsystem, an automatic pilot, a radar system, a sonar system, boat datarecorder, a boat data recorder control and/or monitoring device, a boatcockpit voice recorder, a boat cockpit voice recorder control and/ormonitoring device, an emergency oxygen control and/or monitoring device,an emergency oxygen deployment detection device, an air bag deploymentdevice, an air bag deployment detection device, a boat dashboard orcontrol console display device, a gyroscope for measuring boat pitch,roll, yaw, or attitude, a gyrocompass for measuring direction of travel,a boat data recorder and/or a boat operation data recorder.

[0385] The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also include monitoringdevice(s) for reading and/or monitoring the status and/or condition ofany of the boat fuel supply, water and/or coolant supply, electricalgenerator and/or alternator operation, battery charge level, fuel cellelectrical power output, fuel cell fuel supply level, fuel celloperating temperature, fuel cell by-product output level, and/or engineor motor temperature level, marine control system and/or any other boatoperation and/or system function and/or boat equipment system(s)operating status and/or condition. The monitoring device(s), in apreferred embodiment, has associated therewith a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system for transmitting data and/or informationrecorded and/or read by the monitoring device(s) to the user or operatorand for receiving signals such as, for example, control signals, bywhich the user or operator may exercise control over the monitoringdevice(s).

[0386] The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also include communicationdevices, such as two-way radios, radios, televisions, navigationaldevices and/or equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, radar devicesand equipment, emergency and/or distress signal equipment, and anyelectrical, electronic and/or otherwise activated appliances and/orequipment which may be utilized in a boat or marine vessel. Appliancesmay include household appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, airconditioners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting systems, etc. The boatequipment system(s) 1211 may also include electrical and/orelectronically controlled dead bolt locking devices for use on doors,windows, and/or in conjunction with any other opening components and/orcomponents for gaining access to various locations and/or in, and/or anysystems, devices, and/or components of, the boat.

[0387] The boat equipment system(s) 1211 can also include transponders,communication transponders, navigation transponders, and/or beacons.

[0388] The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also include locks forpreventing use and/or access to various locations, systems, devices,and/or components of the boat. The boat equipment systems may alsoinclude hydraulic and/or pneumatic equipment and/or other equipment,including winches, etc., which may be remotely activated as describedherein. The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also include boatcommunication devices including, but not limited to radios, televisionsand entertainment devices, two-way radios, cellular telephones andequipment, etc. The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also includesystems for detecting failures in any of the above, or any other,equipment systems and report such failure(s) to the user or operatorwhether he or she is operating the boat or is not in the boat and/or forreporting such failures to a central office.

[0389] The boat equipment system(s) 1211 can also include the boatcommand computer which is utilized to control and/or to the variouselectronic, electrical, mechanical, and/or electromechanical systems,components, devices, of the boat. The command computer can control andmonitor any of the systems, components, and/or devices, of the boat,including, but not limited to, the ignition system, the fuel system,fuel injection system, electrical systems for ignition, lights, horn,door locks, exhaust system, windows, fuel pump, oil pump, engine timingdevice, battery, fuel cells, fuel supply device, video recordingequipment, audio recording equipment, boat integrated positioningdevice, and/or any other system, device, or component which can becontrolled and/or monitored by the command computer.

[0390] The command computer can transmit control signals and/or statusrequest signals to any of the herein-described boat systems, componentsand/or devices so as to respectively control and/or monitor theoperating status and/or condition of the respective system, componentand/or device. The command computer can also receive signals from therespective systems, devices and/or components, with said signalscontaining data and/or information concerning the operating status,operating state, and/or condition, of the respective systems, devicesand/or components. The command computer can be utilized so as tocontrol, monitor, and/or provide diagnostic information for any of theboat systems, components, and/or devices, which are controlled and/ormonitored with the command computer.

[0391] The boat equipment system(s) 1211 can also include wear and/orusage indicators and/or detection devices which can be connected witheither the command computer and/or the central processing computer andwhich can be utilized so as to monitor the wear and/or usage of any ofthe herein-described electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/orelectromechanical, systems, devices, and/or components.

[0392] The boat equipment system(s) 1211 can also include automaticcontrol devices for controlling and/or monitoring boat systems and/ordevices for boat movement and/or motion, such as, but not limited to,boat motor and/or transmission system for controlling boat forwardand/or reverse direction of movement, boat acceleration system forcontrolling speed of movement, boat rudder system and/or boat steeringsystem, boat pump system, and/or any other system and/or component forcontrolling and/or for effecting remote-control over the movement,motion and/or operation of the boat.

[0393] In the case of commercial equipment, industrial equipment,drilling equipment, mining equipment, excavating equipment, and/or othercommercial equipment, the boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also includeloading and/or unloading mechanisms, cutting mechanisms, bailingmechanisms, winches and any and all of the various systems and devicesutilized in conjunction with these boats and/or equipment.

[0394] As noted above, the use of any one or more of the boat equipmentsystem or systems 1211, and their associated interface devices 1212, maybe optional and may further include any other systems and/or deviceswhich may, or are, utilized in and/or in conjunction with any of theabove noted or envisioned vehicles. The boat equipment system(s) 1211,especially when the apparatus is utilized in conjunction with lawenforcement and/or military vehicles, may also include guns and/orweapon systems and/or self defense systems and electronic warfaresystems.

[0395] As noted above, the use of any one or more of the boat equipmentsystem(s) 1211, and their associated interface devices 1212, may beoptional. Further, wireless devices may be utilized for any of thedevices utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 1200.

[0396] The boat equipment system(s) 1211 receives signals from the CPU4, which signals serve to activate or deactivate, or vice versa,whichever the case may be, the respective boat equipment system(s) whichare utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 1200. The boat equipmentsystem(s) 1211 may also include any other suitable boat system orequipment feature which may be utilized to draw attention to the boatand/or in some other way to impede boat theft. It should be noted thatany of the interface devices 1208, 1210 and 1212 may include any of therequisite interfacing circuitry which may be necessary to facilitate CPU4 control over the respective systems which may be utilized.

[0397] In another preferred embodiment, the boat equipment system(s)1211 can also include a boat operation data monitoring device whichmonitors boat operation such as boat speed, the status of any of theboat systems (i.e. ignition system, fuel pump system, positioningsystem), and/or any of the boat equipment systems described herein,direction of travel, attitude of travel, video inside, outside, and/orat, the boat, audio inside, outside, and/or at, the boat, activityinside, outside, and/or at, the boat, and/or any other electrical,mechanical, electro-mechanical, hydraulic, and/or other system,equipment system, device, component, and/or appliance.

[0398] The boat operation data monitoring device can be connected to,and/or linked with, any of the herein-described systems, equipmentsystems, subsystems, devices, components, and/or appliances, including,but not limited to, speedometer, cruise control device, rudder,gyroscope, gyrocompass, directional light device(s), light system(s),door lock system(s), depth sounding measurement devices, attitudemeasuring device(s), ignition system, braking system, electronicsystem(s), hydraulic system(s), video recording device(s) or camera(s),audio recording device(s) or microphone(s), and/or any other systems,equipment systems, devices, components, and/or appliances, describedherein and/or otherwise, for controlling and/or monitoring the operationof same and/or for monitoring activity at the boat.

[0399] The boat operation data monitoring device can operate and/orfunction in a manner similar to, and/or analogous to, an aircraft flightdata recorder in monitoring and/or recording operation data. Inaddition, the boat operation data monitoring device can receive anyand/or all of the data monitored and transmit same to the any of theherein-described transmitters 2, home and/or personal computers 150,and/or any of the server computers 510, computers 970, and/or servercomputers 952, and/or any other computers and/or communication devices,which can be utilized to receive this data and/or information. In thismanner, the boat operation and/or movement can be monitored by, and/orat, any of the herein-described transmitters, home and/or personalcomputers, computers, and/or server computers.

[0400] The boat operation data monitoring device can transmit any and/orall boat operation data to a respective transmitter(s), home and/orpersonal computer(s), computer(s), and/or server computer(s), inreal-time, live, in a time-delayed manner, and/or in any otherappropriate manner. The boat operation data monitoring device can alsorecord and/or store any of the operation data monitored thereby.

[0401] Any data and/or information which is received from the boatoperation data monitoring device can be stored at any of theherein-described transmitters 2, and/or home and/or personal computers150, and/or any of the server computers 510, computers 970, and/orserver computers 952, and/or any other computers and/or communicationdevices, which can be utilized to receive this data. The data and/orinformation which is received from the boat operation data monitoringdevice can be stored in any suitable manner which can typically involvestoring same digitally, storing same digitally in an overwriting manner,so that, for example, the data can be stored and/or overwritten for agiven time period and overwriting same, storing same in a looping and/orre-circulating storage medium or tape, storing same in a manner utilizedin conjunction with, and/or similar to, the manner in which data and/orinformation is stored in aircraft flight data recorders and/or aircraftcockpit voice recorders.

[0402] The boat operation data monitoring device can be accessed by anyof the herein-described transmitters, home and/or personal computers,computers, and/or server computers, and/or the individuals utilizingsame, in order to monitor and/or ascertain boat operation, and/or videoand/or audio activity inside, outside, and/or at, the boat, at any timeand/or to retrieve and/or to access operating data regarding boatoperation and/or movement, and/or video and/or audio activity inside,outside, and/or at, the boat, which has been recorded and/or stored bythe boat operation data monitoring device. For example, boat operatingdata and/or information, along with video and/or audio informationinside, outside, and/or at the boat, can be accesses and/or obtained.

[0403] The boat operation data monitoring device can be utilized tomonitor boat operation, to investigate a malfunction, to diagnosis amalfunction or other problem, to investigate a cause of an accident,and/or can be utilized for any other purpose.

[0404] In a preferred embodiment, the boat operation data monitoringdevice can be programmed to monitor boat operation data and/or totransmit same to any respective transmitter, home and/or personalcomputer, computer, central computer, and/or server computer,continuously, at certain times, and/or under certain conditions, such asa detection by the CPU 4 and/or by the boat operation data monitor.

[0405] The boat operation data monitoring device can also be activatedremotely by any individual via any respective transmitter, home and/orpersonal computer, computer, central computer, and/or server computer,and/or user of same. The boat operation data monitoring device can alsobe activated by a boat operator and/or occupant and/or via any otherindividual.

[0406] The data and/or information obtained from the boat operation datamonitoring device can be stored at any of the respective transmitters,home and/or personal computers, computers, central computers, and/orserver computers, for accessing at any time. The data and/or informationcan be stored at the boat operation data monitoring device, and/or atany of the herein-described and respective transmitters, home and/orpersonal computers, computers, central computers, and/or servercomputers, in a “loop tape” manner and/or digitally in a looping and/ordata overwriting manner so that, for example, only a most recent timeperiod is recorded.

[0407] The boat operation data monitoring device can be utilized inconjunction with the present invention so as to obtain, to record,and/or access, and/or analyze, boat operation data at the boat and/orfrom a location remote from the boat, in a network environment, therebyfacilitating the monitoring and/or the analysis of boat operation data.

[0408] The apparatus 1200 also includes a position and locating device13 which can be utilized in order to determine the position and/or thelocation of the boat. The position and locating device 13 can beutilized so as to determine the position of the boat anywhere in theworld and provide for the transmission of boat position and/or locationdata to any appropriate system receiver so that the boat may be locatedand/or tracked and recovered. In the preferred embodiment, the positionand locating device 13 includes and utilizes a global positioning deviceand an associated transmitter for transmitting position and/or locationdata to the authorized user or operator and/or to an authorized officeor agency authorized to receive and/or to monitor such datatransmissions.

[0409] The apparatus 1200 of FIG. 12 also includes a position andlocating system receiver 14, which may be employed by the authorizeduser or operator and/or by the authorized office or agency, forreceiving and/or processing the data which is transmitted from theposition and locating device 13 as described above. The apparatus of mayalso comprise a user interface device (not shown).

[0410] The apparatus and method of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 12may be utilized and/or operates in the same or in a similar and/oranalogous manner as described above with regards to the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-11B and/or consistent with the description of the variousembodiments and features of the present invention as described herein.The apparatus and method of the present invention may also provide forthe immediate, and/or for the deferred, control, activation,deactivation, programming, monitoring and/or security of any one or moreof the boat and/or marine vessel or vehicle systems, equipment, devices,appliances, etc., in the same, similar and/or analogous manner asdescribed above with its use in conjunction with vehicles and/or motorvehicles.

[0411] Although the present invention has been hereinabove described asbeing utilized in conjunction with a boat, it is noted that the presentinvention may be utilized in conjunction with a ship, cruise ship, orany other boat, manned or unmanned, regardless of size, shape or form,private, commercial and/or military. The boat equipment systems may alsoinclude guns and/or weapon systems and/or self-defense systems and/orelectronic warfare systems. The present invention may also be utilizedin conjunction with submersible vehicles such as submarines.

[0412] In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention isutilized in conjunction with an aircraft, airplane, jet, or helicopter.FIG. 13 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein the apparatus and method is utilized in conjunctionwith an airplane. The apparatus of FIG. 13 is denoted generally by thereference numeral 1300. In FIG. 13, the components of the apparatuswhich are common to the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 are designated by the samereference numerals. In FIG. 13, the CPU 4 is electrically connectedand/or linked to the airplane ignition system 1307, which is locatedexternally from the apparatus 1300. The CPU 4 may or may not beconnected and/or linked with the airplane ignition system 1307 throughan ignition system interface 1308 which is also shown in FIG. 13.

[0413] The CPU 4 may transmit signals to, as well as receive signalsfrom, the airplane ignition system 1307. In this manner, the CPU 4 andthe airplane ignition system 1307, may exchange information between eachother. In this manner, the CPU 4, upon receiving an appropriate signalfrom the receiver 3, and upon the completion of the requisite dataprocessing routine, may issue an electrical, an electronic, and/or anyother suitable signal, including a digital command signal, to theairplane ignition system 1307. This electrical, electronic and/or othersuitable signal, or digital command signal, may be one which willdisable the airplane ignition system 1307 or one which will re-enable orreset the airplane ignition system 7. The CPU 4 may also interrogate theairplane ignition system 1307 and/or receive data from the airplaneignition system 1307 which is indicative of ignition system status(i.e., whether the airplane ignition system 1307 is on or off).

[0414] In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is also electricallyconnected and/or linked to the airplane fuel pump or supply system 1309which is also located externally from the apparatus 1300. The CPU 4 mayor may not be connected and/or linked with the airplane fuel pump system1309 through a fuel pump system interface 1310 which is also shown inFIG. 13. In the case of an electrical or an electronic fuel pump system,the CPU 4 may provide an electrical, an electronic, and/or othersuitable signal, including a digital signal, which will disable orre-enable the airplane fuel pump or supply system 1309.

[0415] In the case of a mechanical fuel pump system, the CPU 4 mayprovide an electrical, electronic, and/or other suitable signal,including a digital signal, which will disable or re-enable anelectrical valve system, which may be used to control the operation ofthe mechanical fuel pump system. Whichever the case may be, the CPU 4will be capable of issuing an electrical, electronic and/or othersuitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable or to re-enablethe airplane fuel pump system 1309. The CPU 4 may also interrogateand/or receive data from the airplane fuel pump or supply system 1309which is indicative of airplane fuel pump system status (i.e., whetherthe airplane fuel pump system 1309 is on or off). The CPU 4 may also beelectrically connected and/or linked to an appropriate device (notshown) for controlling the operation of a airplane exhaust system.

[0416] The CPU 4, in the preferred embodiment, is also electricallyconnected to at least one or more of an airplane equipment system(s)1311. The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 are located externally fromthe apparatus 1300 and may or may not be connected to the CPU 4, via anairplane equipment system(s) interface device(s) 1312 which may or maynot be required for each one of the variety or multitude of the airplaneequipment systems which may be utilized in conjunction with theapparatus 1300.

[0417] The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may include a loud siren oralarm, which may be located in the cabin, passenger compartment and/orcockpit of the airplane and, which may produce a loud piercing sound soas to make it unbearable for an intruder to remain inside the airplanecabin, passenger compartment and/or cockpit. The airplane equipmentsystem(s) 1311 may also include an external siren or alarm, which mayproduce a loud piercing sound, which may be utilized to draw attentionto the airplane. The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also includea horn, which may blare continuously or intermittently, so as to alsodraw attention to the airplane. The airplane equipment system(s) 1311can also include “smart” windows which turn opaque and/or darkerdepending upon interior lighting.

[0418] The airplane external light system(s), which may include theairplane head lights, tail lights or flashers, which may be constantlyilluminated or which may blink on and off repeatedly so as to drawattention to the airplane, may also be utilized as a airplane equipmentsystem 1311. The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include apower door or hatch locking system or device, for securing the airplanecabin, passenger compartment and/or cockpit so as to prevent anunauthorized entry thereunto or an exit therefrom. In addition, theairplane equipment system(s) 1311 may include a locking system, such asa mechanical locking system, for preventing an unauthorized access intothe airplane engine compartment so as to prevent tampering with theapparatus 1300 or with other systems and/or components of the airplane.

[0419] The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include any one ormore of the widely known airplane anti-theft systems and may alsoinclude an airplane recovery system or device, including a homing and/ora tracking system, each of which system(s) may be activated by theapparatus 1300 of the present invention. The airplane equipmentsystem(s) 1311 may also include landing gear, cabin and/or interiorpressurization systems, devices, and/or cabin pressurization controland/or monitoring systems and/or devices, communication devices, such astwo-way radios, radios, televisions, navigational devices and/orequipment, fire extinguishing equipment, radar devices and equipment,emergency and/or distress signal equipment, sonar devices and/orequipment, and any electrical, electronic and/or otherwise activatedappliances and/or equipment which may be utilized on an airplane.Appliances may include household appliances such as refrigerators,stoves, air conditioners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting systems, etc.The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include systems fordetecting failures in any of the above or any other equipment systemsand report such failures to the user or operator whether he or she isoperating the airplane or is not onboard the airplane and/or forreporting such failures to a central office.

[0420] The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include videorecording and/or photographing equipment, which may include videorecording device(s) and/or a camera(s), such as those utilized inconjunction with personal computers, televisions, digital televisions,interactive televisions, display telephones, video telephones, and/orother communication devices, including personal communication devices,or a still picture camera(s). The video recording device(s) or camera(s)may be digital recording devices or cameras or other suitable devices orcameras, including typical video recording devices or cameras. The videorecording device(s) or camera(s), in a preferred embodiment, hasassociated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system fortransmitting video images recorded by the video recording device(s) orcamera(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signals such as, forexample, control signals, by which the user or operator may exercisecontrol over the video recording device(s) or camera(s).

[0421] The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may be located at anylocation on the interior of the airplane such as, for example, in thedashboard, cabin, cockpit, and/or passenger compartment of the airplaneso that the user or operator, or any other authorized individual, mayobserve and/or photograph the operator of the airplane, or the occupantsand/or cargo of the airplane. The video recording(s) or camera(s) mayalso be located on the airplane exterior. The video recording device(s)or camera(s) may have wide angles for maximum angular viewing and mayalso be pivotable and/or movable. The video device(s) or camera(s) canbe moveable along a track or other guiding device or element so that therespective video recording device or camera can be moved along theairplane interior or exterior. The video recording device(s) orcamera(s) may record and/or transmit the recorded video and/or thepicture(s) in real time and/or live. The video recording device(s) orcamera(s) may also be equipped with a storage medium, for storing therecorded video and/or picture(s), and a transmitter or transceiver fortransmitting the stored video and/or picture(s) to the user or operatorat a later time. In this manner, real-time, as well as deferred, videoand/or picture(s) transmissions may be provided.

[0422] The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include audiorecording equipment, which may include audio recording device(s) such asmicrophones and/or tape recorders, such as those utilized in conjunctionwith personal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactivetelevisions, telephones, cellular telephones, display telephones, videotelephones, and/or other communication devices, including personalcommunication devices. The audio recording device(s) may be digitalaudio recording devices or other suitable audio devices includingtypical audio recording devices. The audio recording device(s), in apreferred embodiment, has associated therewith a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system for transmitting the recorded audio to theuser or operator and for receiving signals such as, for example, controlsignals, by which the user or operator may exercise control over theaudio recording device(s).

[0423] The audio recording device(s) may be located at any location onthe interior and/or exterior of the airplane so that the user oroperator, or any other authorized individual, may hear what istranspiring, and/or what has transpired, inside and/or outside theairplane. The audio recording device(s) may also be pivotable and/ormovable. The audio device(s) or microphone(s) can be moveable along atrack or other guiding device or element so that the respective audiorecording device or microphone can be moved along the airplane interioror exterior. The audio recording device(s) may record and/or transmitthe recorded audio in real time and/or live. The audio recordingdevice(s) may also be equipped with a storage medium, for storing therecorded audio, and a transmitter or transceiver for transmitting thestored audio at a later time. In this manner, real-time as well asdeferred audio transmissions may be provided.

[0424] The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include anintercom system or device or telephone, cellular, digital, or otherwisefor providing a means by which to allow the user or operator, or otherauthorized operator, to communicate with the operator and/or occupantsof the airplane. The airplane equipment system 1311 can also includevideo conferencing devices and/or equipment for enabling the airplaneoccupants and/or individuals inside the airplane, outside the airplane,and/or in the vicinity of the airplane, to engage in and/or partake invideo conferences and/or video conferencing with others via acommunication network.

[0425] The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 can also include theairplane battery or batteries, airplane fuel cell or fuel cells, batterymonitoring equipment, battery charge level, fuel cell output, fuel cellfuel supply, fuel cell temperature measuring device, fuel cellby-product (i.e. water or other by-product, heat, etc.) measuringdevice, fuel cell output measuring device (i.e. voltmeter, ammeter,current measure, power meter, etc.), an airplane aileron control and/ormonitoring device, a rudder control and/or monitoring device, anhorizontal stabilizer control and/or monitoring device, a verticalstabilizer control and/or monitoring device, an altimeter, an emergencylanding parachute control and/or monitoring device, an emergencyparachute deployment control and/or deployment detection device, anavigation system, a navigation control and/or monitoring system, anautomatic pilot, a radar system, a flight data recorder, a flight datarecorder control and/or monitoring device, a cockpit voice recorder, acockpit voice recorder control and/or monitoring device, a wing flapcontrol and/or monitoring device, an emergency oxygen control and/ormonitoring device, an emergency oxygen deployment detection device, anair bag deployment device, an air bag deployment detection device, anairplane cockpit or control console display device, a gyroscope formeasuring airplane pitch, roll, yaw, or attitude, a gyrocompass formeasuring direction of travel, an airplane data recorder and/or anairplane operation data recorder.

[0426] The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include monitoringdevice(s) for reading and/or monitoring the airplane fuel supply, waterand/or coolant supply, electrical generator and/or alternator operation,battery charge level, fuel cell electrical power output, fuel cell fuelsupply level, fuel cell operating temperature, fuel cell by-productoutput level, and/or engine or motor temperature level, airplane flightcontrol systems and/or any other airplane operation and/or systemfunction and/or airplane equipment system(s) operating status and/orcondition. The monitoring device(s), in a preferred embodiment, hasassociated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system fortransmitting data and/or information recorded and/or read by themonitoring device(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signalssuch as, for example, control signals, by which the user or operator mayexercise control over the monitoring device(s).

[0427] The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also includecommunication devices, such as two-way radios, radios, televisions,navigational devices and/or equipment, fire extinguishing equipment,radar devices and equipment, emergency and/or distress signal equipment,and any electrical, electronic and/or otherwise activated appliancesand/or equipment which may be utilized in an airplane or aircraft.Appliances may include household appliances such as refrigerators,stoves, air conditioners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting systems, etc.The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include electrical and/orelectronically controlled dead bolt locking devices for use on doors,windows, and/or in conjunction with any other opening components and/orcomponents for gaining access to various locations on and/or in, and/orany systems, devices, and/or components of, the airplane.

[0428] The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 can also includetransponders, communication transponders, navigation transponders,and/or beacons.

[0429] The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include locks forpreventing use and/or access to various locations, systems, devices,and/or components of the airplane. The airplane equipment systems mayalso include hydraulic and/or pneumatic equipment and/or otherequipment, including hydraulic control devices and/or control systems,winches, etc, which may be remotely activated as described herein. Theairplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include airplanecommunication devices including, but not limited to radios, televisionsand entertainment devices, two-way radios, cellular telephones andequipment, etc. The equipment system(s) 1311 may also include systemsfor detecting failures in any of the above, or any other, equipmentsystems and report such failure(s) to the user or operator whether he orshe is operating the airplane or is not in the airplane and/or forreporting such failures to a central office.

[0430] The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 can also include theairplane command computer which is utilized to control and/or to thevarious electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/or electromechanicalsystems, components, devices, of the airplane. The command computer cancontrol and monitor any of the systems, components, and/or devices, ofthe airplane, including, but not limited to, the automatic pilot system,radar system, lift control system, control surface system, the ignitionsystem, engine and/or thrusting system, braking system, the fuel system,fuel injection system, landing gear, fuel dumping system, electricalsystems for ignition, lights, horn, door locks, exhaust system, windows,fuel pump, oil pump, engine timing device, battery, fuel cells, fuelsupply device, video recording equipment, audio recording equipment,airplane integrated positioning device, and/or any other system, device,or component which can be controlled and/or monitored by the commandcomputer.

[0431] The command computer can transmit control signals and/or statusrequest signals to any of the herein-described airplane systems,components and/or devices so as to respectively control and/or monitorthe operating status and/or condition of the respective system,component and/or device. The command computer can also receive signalsfrom the respective systems, devices and/or components, with saidsignals containing data and/or information concerning the operatingstatus, operating state, and/or condition, of the respective systems,devices and/or components. The command computer can be utilized so as tocontrol, monitor, and/or provide diagnostic information for any of theairplane systems, components, and/or devices, which are controlledand/or monitored with the command computer.

[0432] The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 can also include wearand/or usage indicators and/or detection devices which can be connectedwith either the command computer and/or the central processing computerand which can be utilized so as to monitor the wear and/or usage of anyof the herein-described electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/orelectro-mechanical, systems, devices, and/or components.

[0433] The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 can also include automaticcontrol devices for controlling and/or monitoring airplane systemsand/or devices for airplane take-off, flight, normal cruising, automaticpilot cruising, landing, airplane movement and/or motion, such as, butnot limited to, airplane takeoff, thrust, engine or propeller system,forward thrust system for controlling airplane forward directionmovement, airplane acceleration system for controlling speed ofmovement, airplane tail, wings, rudder, and/or other control surfacesystems and/or devices, airplane steering system, airplane brakingsystem, airplane reverse thrust system, landing gear, airplane pumpsystem, airplane turning and/or banking systems, and/or any other systemand/or component for controlling and/or for effecting remote-controlover the movement, motion and/or operation of the airplane.

[0434] In the case of commercial equipment, industrial equipment, theairplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include loading and/orunloading mechanisms, winches, etc., and any and/or all of the varioussystems and devices utilized in conjunction with these airplanes and/orequipment.

[0435] In another preferred embodiment, the airplane equipment system(s)1311 can also include a airplane operation data monitoring device whichmonitors airplane operation such as airplane speed, the status of any ofthe airplane systems (i.e. ignition system, fuel pump system,positioning system), and/or any of the airplane equipment systemsdescribed herein, direction of travel, attitude of travel, video inside,outside, and/or at, the airplane, audio inside, outside, and/or at, theairplane, activity inside, outside, and/or at, the airplane, and/or anyother electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, and/or othersystem, equipment system, device, component, and/or appliance.

[0436] The airplane operation data monitoring device can be connectedto, and/or linked with, any of the herein-described systems, equipmentsystems, subsystems, devices, components, and/or appliances, including,but not limited to, speedometer, cruise control device, auto pilot,control surfaces, horizontal stabilizer, vertical stabilizer, cabinpressure control, landing gear, ailerons, altimeter, navigation system,emergency parachute, emergency landing equipment, emergency evacuationequipment, data display, braking system, wing flaps, rudder, gyroscope,gyrocompass, directional light device(s), light system(s), door locksystem(s), depth sounding measurement devices, attitude measuringdevice(s), ignition system, braking system, electronic system(s),hydraulic system(s), video recording device(s) or camera(s), audiorecording device(s) or microphone(s), and/or any other systems,equipment systems, devices, components, and/or appliances, describedherein and/or otherwise, for controlling and/or monitoring the operationof same and/or for monitoring activity at the airplane.

[0437] The airplane operation data monitoring device can operate and/orfunction in a manner similar to, and/or analogous to, an aircraft flightdata recorder in monitoring and/or recording operation data. Inaddition, the airplane operation data monitoring device can receive anyand/or all of the data monitored and transmit same to the any of theherein-described transmitters 2, home and/or personal computers 150,and/or any of the server computers 510, computers 970, and/or servercomputers 952, and/or any other computers and/or communication devices,which can be utilized to receive this data and/or information. In thismanner, the airplane operation and/or movement can be monitored by,and/or at, any of the herein-described transmitters, home and/orpersonal computers, computers, and/or server computers.

[0438] The airplane operation data monitoring device can transmit anyand/or all airplane operation data to a respective transmitter(s), homeand/or personal computer(s), computer(s), and/or server computer(s), inreal-time, live, in a time-delayed manner, and/or in any otherappropriate manner. The airplane operation data monitoring device canalso record and/or store any of the operation data monitored thereby.

[0439] Any data and/or information which is received from the airplaneoperation data monitoring device can be stored at any of theherein-described transmitters 2, home and/or personal computers 150,and/or any of the server computers 510, computers 970, and/or servercomputers 952, and/or any other computers and/or communication devices,which can be utilized to receive this data. The data and/or informationwhich is received from the airplane operation data monitoring device canbe stored in any suitable manner which can typically involve storingsame digitally, storing same digitally in an overwriting manner, sothat, for example, the data can be stored and/or overwritten for a giventime period and overwriting same, storing same in a looping and/orre-circulating storage medium or tape, storing same in a manner utilizedin conjunction with, and/or similar to, the manner in which data and/orinformation is stored in aircraft flight data recorders and/or aircraftcockpit voice recorders.

[0440] The airplane operation data monitoring device can be accessed byany of the herein-described transmitters, home and/or personalcomputers, computers, and/or server computers, and/or the individualsutilizing same, in order to monitor and/or ascertain airplane operation,and/or video and/or audio activity inside, outside, and/or at, theairplane, at any time and/or to retrieve and/or to access operating dataregarding airplane operation and/or movement, and/or video and/or audioactivity inside, outside, and/or at, the airplane, which has beenrecorded and/or stored by the airplane operation data monitoring device.For example, airplane operating data and/or information, along withvideo and/or audio information inside, outside, and/or at the airplane,can be accesses and/or obtained.

[0441] The airplane operation data monitoring device can be utilized tomonitor airplane operation, to investigate a malfunction, to diagnosis amalfunction or other problem, to investigate a cause of an accident,and/or can be utilized for any other purpose.

[0442] In a preferred embodiment, the airplane operation data monitoringdevice can be programmed to monitor airplane operation data and/or totransmit same to any respective transmitter, home and/or personalcomputer, computer, central computer, and/or server computer,continuously, at certain times, and/or under certain conditions, such asa detection by the CPU 4 and/or by the airplane operation data monitor.

[0443] The airplane operation data monitoring device can also beactivated remotely by any individual via any respective transmitter,home and/or personal computer, computer, central computer, and/or servercomputer, and/or user of same. The airplane operation data monitoringdevice can also be activated by a airplane operator and/or occupantand/or via any other individual.

[0444] The data and/or information obtained from the airplane operationdata monitoring device can be stored at any of the respectivetransmitters, home and/or personal computers, computers, centralcomputers, and/or server computers for accessing at any time. The dataand/or information can be stored at the airplane operation datamonitoring device, and/or at any of the herein-described and respectivetransmitters, home and/or personal computers, computers, centralcomputers, and/or server computers, in a “loop tape” manner and/ordigitally in a looping and/or data overwriting manner so that, forexample, only a most recent time period is recorded.

[0445] The airplane operation data monitoring device can be utilized inconjunction with the present invention so as to obtain, to record,and/or access, and/or analyze, airplane operation data at the airplaneand/or from a location remote from the airplane, in a networkenvironment, thereby facilitating the monitoring and/or the analysis ofairplane operation data.

[0446] As noted above, the use of any one or more of the airplaneequipment system(s) 1311, and their associated interface devices 1312,may be optional. Further, as described above, wireless devices may beutilized.

[0447] The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 receives signals from theCPU 4, which signals serve to activate or de-activate, or vice versa,whichever the case may be, the respective airplane equipment system(s)which are utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 1300. The airplaneequipment system(s) 1311 may also include any other suitable airplanesystem or equipment feature which may be utilized to draw attention tothe airplane and/or in some other way to impede the airplane theft. Itshould be noted that any of the interface devices 1308, 1310 and 1312may include any of the requisite interfacing circuitry which may benecessary to facilitate CPU 4 control over the respective systems whichmay be utilized.

[0448] The apparatus 1300 also includes a position and locating device13 which can be utilized in order to determine the position and/or thelocation of the airplane. The position and locating device 13 can beutilized so as to determine the position of the airplane anywhere in theworld and provide for the transmission of airplane position and/orlocation data to any appropriate system receiver so that the airplanemay be located and/or tracked and recovered. In the preferredembodiment, the position and locating device 13 includes and utilizes aglobal positioning device and an associated transmitter for transmittingposition and/or location data to the authorized user or operator and/orto an authorized office or agency authorized to receive and/or tomonitor such data transmissions.

[0449] The apparatus 1300 also includes a position and locating systemreceiver 14, which may be employed by the authorized user or operatorand/or by the authorized office or agency, for receiving and/orprocessing the data which is transmitted from the position and locatingdevice 13 as will be described above. The apparatus 1 may also comprisea user interface device (not shown).

[0450] The apparatus and method of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 13may be utilized and/or operates in the same or in a similar and/oranalogous manner as described above with regards to the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-12 and/or consistent with the description of the variousembodiments and features of the present invention as described herein.

[0451] The apparatus and method of the present invention may alsoprovide for the immediate, and/or for the deferred, control, activation,deactivation, programming, monitoring and/or security of any one or moreof the airplane systems, equipment, devices, appliances, etc., in thesame, similar and/or analogous manner as described herein.

[0452] Although the present invention has been described herein as beingutilized in conjunction with an airplane, it is noted that the presentinvention may be utilized in conjunction with any aircraft, includingairplanes, jets, gliders, spacecraft, space shuttles, satellites, mannedor unmanned, regardless of size, shape or form, private, commercialand/or military. The airplane equipment systems may also include gunsand/or weapon systems and/or self-defense systems and/or electronicwarfare systems.

[0453] In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention isutilized in conjunction with a snowmobile, jetski or recreationalvehicle. FIG. 14 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the apparatus is utilized in conjunction with asnowmobile. The apparatus of FIG. 14 is denoted generally by thereference numeral 1400. In FIG. 14, the components of the apparatus 1400which are common to the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 are designated by the samereference numerals. In FIG. 14, the CPU 4 is electrically connectedand/or linked to the snowmobile ignition system 1407, which is locatedexternally from the apparatus 1. The CPU 4 may or may not be connectedand/or linked with the snowmobile ignition system 1407 through anignition system interface 1408 which is also shown in FIG. 14.

[0454] The CPU 4 may transmit signals to, as well as receive signalsfrom, the snowmobile ignition system 1407. In this manner, the CPU 4 andthe snowmobile ignition system 1407, may exchange information betweeneach other. In this manner, the CPU 4, upon receiving an appropriatesignal from the receiver 3, and upon the completion of the requisitedata processing routine, may issue an electrical, an electronic, and/orany other suitable signal, including a digital command signal, to thesnowmobile ignition system 1407. This electrical, electronic and/orother suitable signal, or digital command signal, may be one which willdisable the snowmobile ignition system 1407 or one which will re-enableor reset the snowmobile ignition system 1407. The CPU 4 may alsointerrogate the snowmobile ignition system 1407 and/or receive data fromthe snowmobile ignition system 1407 which is indicative of ignitionsystem status (i.e., whether the snowmobile ignition system 1407 is onor off).

[0455] In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is also electricallyconnected and/or linked to the snowmobile fuel pump or supply system1409 which is also located externally from the apparatus 1400. The CPU 4may or may not be connected and/or linked with the snowmobile fuel pumpsystem 1409 through a fuel pump system interface 1410 which is alsoshown in FIG. 14. In the case of an electrical or an electronic fuelpump system, the CPU 4 may provide an electrical, an electronic, and/orother suitable signal, including a digital signal, which will disable orre-enable the snowmobile fuel pump system 1409.

[0456] In the case of a mechanical fuel pump system, the CPU 4 mayprovide an electrical, electronic, and/or other suitable signal,including a digital signal, which will disable or re-enable anelectrical valve system, which may be used to control the operation ofthe mechanical fuel pump system. Whichever the case may be, the CPU 4will be capable of issuing an electrical, electronic and/or othersuitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable or to re-enablethe snowmobile fuel pump system 1409. The CPU 4 may also interrogateand/or receive data from the snowmobile fuel pump system 1409 which isindicative of snowmobile fuel pump system status (i.e., whether thesnowmobile fuel pump system 1409 is on or off). The CPU 4 may also beelectrically connected and/or linked to an appropriate device (notshown) for controlling the operation of a snowmobile exhaust system.

[0457] The CPU 4, in the preferred embodiment, is also electricallyconnected and/or linked to at least one or more of a snowmobileequipment system or system(s) 1411. The snowmobile equipment system(s)1411 are located externally from the apparatus 1400 and may or may notbe connected to the CPU 4, via a snowmobile equipment system interface1412 which may or may not be required for each one of the variety ormultitude of the snowmobile equipment systems which may be utilized inconjunction with the apparatus.

[0458] The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may include a loud sirenor alarm, which may be located in, or on, the passenger compartment ofthe snowmobile and, which may produce a loud piercing sound so as tomake it unbearable for an intruder to remain inside or on thesnowmobile. The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may also include anexternal siren or alarm, which may produce a loud piercing sound, whichmay be utilized to draw attention to the snowmobile. The snowmobileequipment system(s) 1411 may also include a horn, which may blarecontinuously or intermittently, so as to also draw attention to thesnowmobile. The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 can also include“smart” windows which turn opaque and/or darker depending upon interiorlighting.

[0459] The snowmobile light system(s), which may include the snowmobilehead lights, tail lights or flashers, which may be constantlyilluminated or which may blink on and off repeatedly so as to drawattention to the snowmobile, may also be utilized as a snowmobileequipment system 1411. The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may alsoinclude a power locking systems and/or devices as appropriate as well assteering mechanism locking devices, locking devices for preventingunauthorized access into or onto the snowmobile, snowmobile tracklocking devices for preventing movement of the snowmobile and/or lockingdevices for preventing unauthorized access to the snowmobile engine, soas to prevent any tampering with the apparatus or with other systemsand/or components of the snowmobile.

[0460] The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may also include any oneor more of the known snowmobile anti-theft systems and may also includea snowmobile recovery system or device, including a homing and/or atracking system, each of which system(s) may be activated by theapparatus of the present invention. The snowmobile equipment system(s)1411 may include any other equipment systems, including any and all ofthe above-noted equipment systems described herein for use inconjunction with vehicles, boats and airplanes, including video and/oraudio recording equipment and/or intercom equipment and/or any of theherein-described communications systems and/or devices.

[0461] The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may include videorecording and/or photographing equipment, which may include videorecording device(s) and/or a camera(s), such as those utilized inconjunction with personal computers, televisions, digital televisions,interactive televisions, display telephones, video telephones, and/orother communication devices, including personal communication devices,or a still picture camera(s). The video recording device(s) or camera(s)may be digital recording devices or cameras or other suitable devices orcameras, including typical video recording devices or cameras. The videorecording device(s) or camera(s), in a preferred embodiment, hasassociated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system fortransmitting video images recorded by the video recording device(s) orcamera(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signals such as, forexample, control signals, by which the user or operator may exercisecontrol over the video recording device(s) or camera(s).

[0462] The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may be located at anylocation on the interior of the snowmobile such as, for example, in thedashboard, cabin, cockpit, and/or passenger compartment of thesnowmobile so that the user or operator, or any other authorizedindividual, may observe and/or photograph the operator of thesnowmobile, or the occupants and/or cargo of the snowmobile. The videorecording(s) or camera(s) may also be located on the snowmobileexterior. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may have wideangles for maximum angular viewing and may also be pivotable and/ormovable. The video device(s) or camera(s) can be moveable along a trackor other guiding device or element so that the respective videorecording device or camera can be moved along the snowmobile interior orexterior. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may record and/ortransmit the recorded video and/or the picture(s) in real time and/orlive. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may also be equippedwith a storage medium, for storing the recorded video and/or picture(s),and a transmitter or transceiver for transmitting the stored videoand/or picture(s) to the user or operator at a later time. In thismanner, real-time, as well as deferred, video and/or picture(s)transmissions may be provided.

[0463] The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may also include audiorecording equipment, which may include audio recording device(s) such asmicrophones and/or tape recorders, such as those utilized in conjunctionwith personal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactivetelevisions, telephones, cellular telephones, display telephones, videotelephones, and/or other communication devices, including personalcommunication devices. The audio recording device(s) may be digitalaudio recording devices or other suitable audio devices includingtypical audio recording devices. The audio recording device(s), in apreferred embodiment, has associated therewith a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system for transmitting the recorded audio to theuser or operator and for receiving signals such as, for example, controlsignals, by which the user or operator may exercise control over theaudio recording device(s).

[0464] The audio recording device(s) may be located at any location onthe interior and/or exterior of the snowmobile so that the user oroperator, or any other authorized individual, may hear what istranspiring, and/or what has transpired, inside and/or outside thesnowmobile. The audio recording device(s) may also be pivotable and/ormovable. The audio device(s) or microphone(s) can be moveable along atrack or other guiding device or element so that the respective audiorecording device or microphone can be moved along the snowmobileinterior or exterior. The audio recording device(s) may record and/ortransmit the recorded audio in real time and/or live. The audiorecording device(s) may also be equipped with a storage medium, forstoring the recorded audio, and a transmitter or transceiver fortransmitting the stored audio at a later time. In this manner, real-timeas well as deferred audio transmissions may be provided.

[0465] The snowmobile equipment system 1311 can also include videoconferencing devices and/or equipment for enabling the snowmobileoccupants and/or users, individuals on the snowmobile, inside or outsidethe snowmobile, and/or in the vicinity of the snowmobile, to engage inand/or partake in video conferences and/or video conferencing withothers via a communication network.

[0466] The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 can also include thesnowmobile battery or batteries, snowmobile fuel cell or fuel cells,battery monitoring equipment, battery charge level, fuel cell output,fuel cell fuel supply, fuel cell temperature measuring device, fuel cellby-product (i.e. water or other by-product, heat, etc.) measuringdevice, fuel cell output measuring device (i.e. voltmeter, ammeter,current measure, power meter, etc.), an air bag deployment device, anair bag deployment detection device, a dashboard display device, agyroscope for measuring snowmobile pitch, roll, yaw, or attitude, agyrocompass for measuring direction of travel, a data recorder and/or anoperation data recorder, a navigation system, a navigation controland/or monitoring system, an automatic pilot, a voice recorder, a voicerecorder control and/or monitoring device, and/or a control consoledisplay device. The equipment system 1411 can also include any of thedevices and/or systems described herein as being utilized with vehicles,boats, and/or airplanes.

[0467] The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may also includemonitoring device(s) for reading and/or monitoring the snowmobile fuelsupply, water and/or coolant supply, electrical generator and/oralternator operation, battery charge level, fuel cell electrical poweroutput, fuel cell fuel supply level, fuel cell operating temperature,fuel cell by-product output level, and/or engine or motor temperaturelevel, snowmobile control system and/or any other snowmobile operationand/or system function and/or snowmobile equipment system(s) operatingstatus and/or condition. The monitoring device(s), in a preferredembodiment, has associated therewith a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system for transmitting data and/or informationrecorded and/or read by the monitoring device(s) to the user or operatorand for receiving signals such as, for example, control signals, bywhich the user or operator may exercise control over the monitoringdevice(s).

[0468] The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may also includecommunication devices, such as two-way radios, radios, televisions,navigational devices and/or equipment, fire extinguishing equipment,radar devices and equipment, emergency and/or distress signal equipment,and any electrical, electronic and/or otherwise activated appliancesand/or equipment which may be utilized in a snowmobile. Appliances mayinclude household appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, airconditioners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting systems, etc. Thesnowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may also include electrical and/orelectronically controlled dead bolt locking devices for use on doors,windows, hood, trunk and/or in conjunction with any other openingcomponents and/or components for gaining access to various locations onand/or in, and/or any systems, devices, and/or components of, thesnowmobile.

[0469] The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 can also includetransponders, communication transponders, navigation transponders,and/or beacons.

[0470] The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may also include a wheeland/or brake locking device or mechanism. The snowmobile equipmentsystems may also include hydraulic and/or pneumatic equipment and/orother equipment, including winches, etc, which may be remotely activatedas described herein. The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may alsoinclude snowmobile communication devices including, but not limited toradios, televisions and entertainment devices, two-way radios, cellulartelephones and equipment, etc. The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411may also include systems for detecting failures in any of the above, orany other, equipment systems and report such failure(s) to the user oroperator whether he or she is operating the snowmobile or is not in thesnowmobile and/or for reporting such failures to a central office.

[0471] The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 can also include thesnowmobile command computer which is utilized to control and/or to thevarious electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/or electromechanicalsystems, components, devices, of the snowmobile. The command computercan control and monitor any of the systems, components, and/or devices,of the snowmobile, including, but not limited to, the ignition system,the fuel system, fuel injection system, electrical systems for ignition,lights, horn, door locks, exhaust system, windows, fuel pump, oil pump,engine timing device, battery, fuel cells, fuel supply device, videorecording equipment, audio recording equipment, snowmobile integratedpositioning device, tire pressure indicator, and/or any other system,device, or component which can be controlled and/or monitored by thecommand computer.

[0472] The command computer can transmit control signals and/or statusrequest signals to any of the herein-described snowmobile systems,components and/or devices so as to respectively control and/or monitorthe operating status and/or condition of the respective system,component and/or device. The command computer can also receive signalsfrom the respective systems, devices and/or components, with saidsignals containing data and/or information concerning the operatingstatus, operating state, and/or condition, of the respective systems,devices and/or components. The command computer can be utilized so as tocontrol, monitor, and/or provide diagnostic information for any of thesnowmobile systems, components, and/or devices, which are controlledand/or monitored with the command computer.

[0473] The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 can also include wearand/or usage indicators and/or detection devices which can be connectedwith either the command computer and/or the central processing computerand which can be utilized so as to monitor the wear and/or usage of anyof the herein-described electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/orelectromechanical, systems, devices, and/or components.

[0474] The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 can also includeautomatic control devices for controlling and/or monitoring snowmobilesystems and/or devices for snowmobile movement and/or motion, such as,but not limited to, snowmobile transmission system for controllingsnowmobile forward and/or reverse direction of movement, snowmobileacceleration system for controlling speed of movement, snowmobilebraking system for controlling snowmobile braking, snowmobile steeringsystem for steering the snowmobile, and/or any other system and/orcomponent for controlling and/or for effecting remote-control over themovement and/or the motion of the snowmobile.

[0475] In another preferred embodiment, the snowmobile equipmentsystem(s) 1411 can also include a snowmobile operation data monitoringdevice which monitors snowmobile operation such as snowmobile speed, thestatus of any of the snowmobile systems (i.e. ignition system, fuel pumpsystem, positioning system), and/or any of the snowmobile equipmentsystems described herein, direction of travel, attitude of travel, videoinside, outside, and/or at, the snowmobile, audio inside, outside,and/or at, the snowmobile, activity inside, outside, and/or at, thesnowmobile, and/or any other electrical, mechanical, electromechanical,hydraulic, and/or other system, equipment system, device, component,and/or appliance.

[0476] The snowmobile operation data monitoring device can be connectedto, and/or linked with, any of the herein-described systems, equipmentsystems, subsystems, devices, components, and/or appliances, including,but not limited to, speedometer, cruise control device, gyroscope,gyrocompass, directional light device(s), light system(s), door locksystem(s), attitude measuring device(s), ignition system, brakingsystem, electronic system(s), hydraulic system(s), video recordingdevice(s) or camera(s), audio recording device(s) or microphone(s),and/or any other systems, equipment systems, devices, components, and/orappliances, described herein and/or otherwise, for controlling and/ormonitoring the operation of same and/or for monitoring activity at thesnowmobile.

[0477] The snowmobile operation data monitoring device Can operateand/or function in a manner similar to, and/or analogous to, an aircraftflight data recorder in monitoring and/or recording operation data. Inaddition, the snowmobile operation data monitoring device can receiveany and/or all of the data monitored and transmit same to the any of theherein-described transmitters 2, home and/or personal computers 150,and/or any of the server computers 510, computers 970, and/or servercomputers 952, and/or any other computers and/or communication devices,which can be utilized to receive this data and/or information. In thismanner, the snowmobile operation and/or movement can be monitored by,and/or at, any of the herein-described transmitters, home and/orpersonal computers, computers, and/or server computers.

[0478] The snowmobile operation data monitoring device can transmit anyand/or all snowmobile operation data to a respective transmitter(s),home and/or personal computer(s), computer(s), and/or servercomputer(s), in real-time, live, in a time-delayed manner, and/or in anyother appropriate manner. The snowmobile operation data monitoringdevice can also record and/or store any of the operation data monitoredthereby.

[0479] Any data and/or information which is received from the snowmobileoperation data monitoring device can be stored at any of theherein-described transmitters 2, home and/or personal computers 150,and/or any of the server computers 510, computers 970, and/or servercomputers 952, and/or any other computers and/or communication devices,which can be utilized to receive this data. The data and/or informationwhich is received from the snowmobile operation data monitoring devicecan be stored in any suitable manner which can typically involve storingsame digitally, storing same digitally in an overwriting manner, sothat, for example, the data can be stored and/or overwritten for a giventime period and overwriting same, storing same in a looping and/orre-circulating storage medium or tape, storing same in a manner utilizedin conjunction with, and/or similar to, the manner in which data and/orinformation is stored in aircraft flight data recorders and/or aircraftcockpit voice recorders.

[0480] The snowmobile operation data monitoring device can be accessedby any of the herein-described transmitters, home and/or personalcomputers, computers, and/or server computers, and/or the individualsutilizing same, in order to monitor and/or ascertain snowmobileoperation, and/or video and/or audio activity inside, outside, and/orat, the snowmobile, at any time and/or to retrieve and/or to accessoperating data regarding snowmobile operation and/or movement, and/orvideo and/or audio activity inside, outside, and/or at, the snowmobile,which has been recorded and/or stored by the snowmobile operation datamonitoring device. For example, snowmobile operating data and/orinformation, along with video and/or audio information inside, outside,and/or at the snowmobile, can be accesses and/or obtained.

[0481] The snowmobile operation data monitoring device can be utilizedto monitor snowmobile operation, to investigate a malfunction, todiagnosis a malfunction or other problem, to investigate a cause of anaccident, and/or can be utilized for any other purpose.

[0482] In a preferred embodiment, the snowmobile operation datamonitoring device can be programmed to monitor snowmobile operation dataand/or to transmit same to any respective transmitter, home and/orpersonal computer, computer, central computer, and/or server computer,continuously, at certain times, and/or under certain conditions, such asa detection by the CPU 4 and/or by the snowmobile operation datamonitor.

[0483] The snowmobile operation data monitoring device can also beactivated remotely by any individual via any respective transmitter,home and/or personal computer, computer, central computer, and/or servercomputer, and/or user of same. The snowmobile operation data monitoringdevice can also be activated by a snowmobile operator and/or occupantand/or via any other individual.

[0484] The data and/or information obtained from the snowmobileoperation data monitoring device can be stored at any of the respectivetransmitters, home and/or personal computers, computers, centralcomputers, and/or server computers, for accessing at any time. The dataand/or information can be stored at the snowmobile operation datamonitoring device, and/or at any of the herein-described and respectivetransmitters, home and/or personal computers, computers, centralcomputers, and/or server computers, in a “loop tape” manner and/ordigitally in a looping and/or data overwriting manner so that, forexample, only a most recent time period is recorded.

[0485] The snowmobile operation data monitoring device can be utilizedin conjunction with the present invention so as to obtain, to record,and/or access, and/or analyze, snowmobile operation data at thesnowmobile and/or from a location remote from the snowmobile, in anetwork environment, thereby facilitating the monitoring and/or theanalysis of snowmobile operation data.

[0486] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, thepresent invention can facilitate the transmission of data and/orinformation regarding the operation of any of the herein describedvehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels, airplanes, aircraft,and/or recreational vehicles, and/or any of the respective systems,equipment systems, subsystems, devices, components, and/or appliancesthereof, thereby dispensing with the need to obtain this data and/orinformation from data recorders located in, at, or on, the respectivevehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels, airplanes, aircraft,and/or recreational vehicles. In this manner, for example, data and/orinformation normally recorded and/or store on a flight data recorderand/or a cockpit voice recorder can be obtained and/or stored on, or at,any of the herein-described transmitters 2, home and/or personalcomputers 150, and/or any of the server computers 510, computers 970,and/or server computers 952, described herein. In this manner, the needto recover a respective data recorder from the respective vehicle, motorvehicle, boat, marine vessel, airplane, aircraft, and/or recreationalvehicle, can be rendered unnecessary and/or can be dispensed withentirely.

[0487] As noted above, the use of any one or more of the snowmobileequipment system(s) 1411, and their associated interface devices 1412,may be optional. Further, as described above, wireless devices may alsobe utilized.

[0488] The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 receives signals from theCPU 4, which signals serve to activate or de-activate, or vice versa,whichever the case may be, the respective snowmobile equipment system(s)which are utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 1400. Thesnowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may also include any other suitablesnowmobile system or equipment feature which may be utilized to drawattention to the snowmobile and/or in some other way impede thesnowmobile theft. It should be noted that any of the interface devices1408, 1410 and 1412 may include any of the requisite interfacingcircuitry which may be necessary to facilitate CPU 4 control over therespective systems which may be utilized.

[0489] The apparatus 1400 also includes a position and locating device13 which can be utilized in order to determine the position and/or thelocation of the snowmobile. The position and locating device 13 can beutilized so as to determine the position of the snowmobile anywhere inthe world and provide for the transmission of position and/or locationdata to any appropriate system receiver so that the snowmobile may belocated and/or tracked and recovered. In the preferred embodiment, theposition and locating device 13 includes and utilizes a globalpositioning device and an associated transmitter for transmittingposition and/or location data to the authorized user or operator and/orto an authorized office or agency authorized to receive and/or tomonitor such data transmissions.

[0490] The apparatus 1400 of FIG. 14 also includes a position andlocating system receiver 14, which may be employed by the authorizeduser or operator and/or by the authorized office or agency, forreceiving and/or processing the data which is transmitted from thesnowmobile position and locating device 13 as described above. Theapparatus 1 may also comprise a user interface device (not shown).

[0491] The apparatus and method of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 14may be utilized and/or operates in the same or in a similar and/oranalogous manner as described herein and/or consistent with thedescription of the various embodiments and features of the presentinvention.

[0492] The apparatus and method of the present invention may alsoprovide for the immediate, and/or for the deferred control, activation,deactivation, programming, monitoring and/or security of any one or moreof the snowmobile and/or recreational vehicle systems, equipment,devices, appliances, etc., in the same, similar and/or analogous manneras described above in conjunction with the various embodiments of thepresent invention.

[0493] Although the present invention has been described herein as beingutilized in conjunction with a snowmobile, it is noted that the presentinvention may also be utilized in conjunction with any type ofrecreational vehicle, including jetskis, scooters, motorcycles,minibikes, hot-air balloons, go-carts, mopeds, etc, manned or unmanned,regardless of size, shape or form, private, commercial and/or military.The recreational vehicle equipment systems may also include guns and/orweapon systems and/or self-defense systems and/or electronic warfaresystems, if desired, and especially when used in law enforcement and/ormilitary applications.

[0494] The present invention can be utilized in conjunction with a motorhome, a mobile home and/or a camper as the present invention may beutilized to provide control, monitoring and/or security functionspertaining to motor vehicle equipment and home systems, equipment andappliances.

[0495] In still another preferred embodiment, the present invention canbe utilized in conjunction with a residential premises, residentialbuilding and/or a home or a household control system. FIG. 15illustrates another preferred embodiment of the present inventionwherein the apparatus and method is utilized in conjunction with a homecontrol system. The apparatus of FIG. 15 is denoted generally by thereference numeral 1500. It is understood that, while the embodiment ofFIG. 15 is illustrated and described in conjunction with a home or ahousehold system, the apparatus 1500 may be utilized in any residentialpremises and/or any residential building.

[0496] In FIG. 15, the components of the apparatus 1500 which are commonto the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 are designated by the same referencenumerals. In FIG. 15, the CPU 4 is electrically connected and/or linkedto the home and/or household central electrical system 1507, which islocated externally from the apparatus 1500. The CPU 4 may or may not beconnected and/or linked with the home central electrical system 1507through a central electrical system interface 1508 which is also shownin FIG. 15.

[0497] The CPU 4 may transmit signals to, as well as receive signalsfrom, the home central electrical system 1507. In this manner, the CPU 4and the home central electrical system 1507, may exchange informationbetween each other. In this manner, the CPU 4, upon receiving anappropriate signal from the receiver 3, and upon the completion of therequisite data processing routine, may issue an electrical, anelectronic, and/or any other suitable signal, including a digitalcommand signal, to the home central electrical system 1507. Thiselectrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal, or digital commandsignal, may be one which will disable the home central electrical system1507 or one which will re-enable or reset the home central electricalsystem 1507. The CPU 4 may also interrogate the central electricalsystem 1507 and/or receive data from the central electrical system 1507which is indicative of central electrical system status (i.e., whetherthe central electrical system 1507, or any portion thereof, is on oroff).

[0498] In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is also electricallyconnected and/or linked to the home central heating system 1509 which isalso located externally from the apparatus 1500. The CPU 4 may or maynot be connected and/or linked with the home central heating system 1509through a central heating system interface 1510 which is also shown inFIG. 15. The CPU 4 is capable of issuing an electrical, electronicand/or other suitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable orto re-enable the home central heating system 1509. The CPU 4 may alsointerrogate and/or receive data from the home central heating system1509 which is indicative of home central heating system status (i.e.,whether the central heating system 1509, or any portion thereof, is onor off).

[0499] In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is also electricallyconnected and/or linked to the home central air conditioning system 1511which is also located externally from the apparatus 1500. The CPU 4 mayor may not be connected and/or linked with the home central airconditioning system 1511 through a central air conditioning systeminterface 1512 which is also shown in FIG. 15. The CPU 4 is capable ofissuing an electrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal,including a digital signal, to disable or to re-enable the home centralair conditioning system 1511. The CPU 4 may also interrogate and/orreceive data from the home central air conditioning system 1511 which isindicative of home central air conditioning system status (i.e., whetherthe central air conditioning system 1511, or any portion thereof, is onor off).

[0500] The CPU 4 may also be electrically connected and/or linked to thehome water system 1513 which is also located externally from theapparatus 1500. The CPU 4 may or may not be connected and/or linked withthe home water system 1513 through a home water system interface 1514which is also shown in FIG. 15. The home water system interface 1514, inthe preferred embodiment, is an electrically controlled water shut-offvalve(s) or similar device(s). The CPU 4 is capable of issuing anelectrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal, including a digitalsignal, to disable or to re-enable the home water system 1513. The CPU 4may also interrogate and/or receive data from the home water system 1513which is indicative of the state of the home water system 1513 (i.e.whether the home water system 1513, or any portion thereof, is on oroff). The home water system 1513 may then be controlled (i.e. turned onor off) and/or adjusted by the user or operator.

[0501] The CPU 4 may also be electrically connected and/or linked to thehome thermostat or environmental control system 1517 so as to controland/or monitor home interior temperature. The CPU 4 may or may not beconnected and/or linked with the home thermostat system 1517 through ahome thermostat system interface 1518 which is also shown in FIG. 15.The CPU 4 is capable of issuing an electrical, electronic and/or othersuitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable or to re-enablethe home thermostat system 1517.

[0502] The CPU 4 may also interrogate and/or receive data from the homethermostat system 1517 which is indicative of the state of the homethermostat system 1517 (i.e. home interior temperature and/or whetherthe temperature of the home interior, or any portion thereof, is toohot, too cold, or acceptable). The home thermostat system 1517 may thenbe controlled and/or adjusted by the user or operator. In this manner,the home thermostat system 1517 may then be adjusted and/or controlledby the user or operator via the apparatus 1500. The home thermostatsystem 1517 may be connected and/or linked to the home central heatingsystem 1509 and/or to the home central air conditioning system 1511 soas to activate, de-activate, set and/or control the operation of thesesystems, as necessary, in order to, and so as to, achieve the desiredtemperature and/or environmental conditions in the home.

[0503] The CPU 4, in the preferred embodiment, is also electricallyconnected and/or linked to at least one or more of a home equipmentsystem(s) 1515. The home equipment system(s) 1515 are located externallyfrom the apparatus 1500 and may or may not be connected and/or linked tothe CPU 4, via a home system equipment system or systems interface 1516which may or may not be required for each one of the variety ormultitude of the home equipment system(s) 1515 which may be utilized inconjunction with the apparatus 1500.

[0504] The home equipment system(s) 1515 may include a home anti-theftand/or burglary alarm system, a loud siren or alarm, which may belocated in the interior of the home, which may produce a loud piercingsound so as to make it unbearable for an intruder to remain inside thehome, an exterior siren or alarm, which may produce a loud piercingsound, which may be utilized to draw attention to the home, and exteriorlighting system(s) and interior lighting systems, which lighting systemsmay be turned on or turned off at the user or operator's discretion andwhich may be controlled to blink on and off to draw attention to thehome. The home equipment system(s) 1515 can also include “smart” windowswhich turn opaque and/or darker depending upon interior lighting.

[0505] The home equipment system(s) 1515 may also include an electricaland/or electronically controlled locking devices for doors and/orwindows, including electrical and/or electronic dead-bolt lockingsystems and devices, electrical systems for controlling electricalcircuits or systems room-by-room, device-by-device, and/orappliance-by-appliance. The home equipment system(s) 1515 may alsoinclude devices for controlling any one or more of the electricalcircuits, such as circuits controlled by fuses, circuit breakers orequivalent devices. The home equipment system(s) 1515 may also includedevices for controlling and/or monitoring hot water heaters, garage dooropeners, lawn sprinkler systems, electric fences and/or fencing,in-ground or above-ground pool equipment, filters and/or heaters, homecentral water valve, individual room water valve, home fire detectorequipment and home fire extinguishment equipment. The home equipmentsystem(s) 1515 may also include power door and window closing, lockingand opening equipment. The home equipment system(s) 1515 can alsoinclude “smart” windows and/or “smart” glass which can turn opaquedepending upon the amount and/or intensity of interior lighting.

[0506] The home equipment system(s) 1515 may also include any and all ofa wide variety of home appliances such as televisions, telephones,telephone answering machines, alarm systems, VCRs, stoves, ovens,microwave ovens, door bells, individual lights or lamps, blenders,toasters, personal computers, word processors, stereos, radios, and anyother home appliance and/or device which is electrically and/orelectronically activated and/or controllable.

[0507] The home equipment system(s) 1515 may also include videorecording and/or photographing equipment, which may include videorecording device(s) and/or a camera(s), such as those utilized inconjunction with personal computers, televisions, digital televisions,interactive televisions, display telephones, video telephones, and/orother communication devices, including personal communication devices,or a still picture camera(s). The video recording device(s) or camera(s)may be digital recording devices or cameras or other suitable devices orcameras, including typical video recording devices or cameras. The videorecording device(s) or camera(s), in a preferred embodiment, hasassociated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system fortransmitting video images recorded by the video recording device(s) orcamera(s) to the owner or occupant and for receiving signals such as,for example, control signals, by which the owner or occupant mayexercise control over the video recording device(s) or camera(s).

[0508] The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may be located at anylocation on the interior of the home such as, for example, in any roomor rooms of the home so that the owner or occupant, or any otherauthorized individual, may observe and/or photograph any portions and/orrooms in the interior of the home, or the occupants and/or anythingwhich may be located and/or stored in the home. The video recordingdevice(s) or camera(s) may also be located on the exterior of the homeso that the owner or occupant, or any other authorized individual, mayobserve and/or photograph the exterior of the home or residentialpremises, or portion thereof, or the individuals or objects and/oranything which may be present, located and/or stored on the premises ofhome and/or residential premises.

[0509] The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may have wide anglesfor maximum angular viewing and may also be pivotable and/or movable.The video device(s) or camera(s) can be moveable along a track or otherguiding device or element so that the respective video recording deviceor camera can be moved along the premises interior or exterior. Thevideo recording device(s) or camera(s) may record and/or transmit therecorded video and/or the picture(s) in real time and/or live. The videorecording device(s) or camera(s) may also be equipped with a storagemedium, for storing the recorded video and/or picture(s), and atransmitter or transceiver for transmitting the stored video and/orpicture(s) to the owner or occupant at a later time. In this manner,real-time, as well as deferred, video and/or picture(s) transmissionsmay be provided.

[0510] The home equipment system(s) 1515 may also include audiorecording equipment, which may include audio recording device(s) such asmicrophones and/or tape recorders, such as those utilized in conjunctionwith personal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactivetelevisions, telephones, cellular telephones, display telephones, videotelephones, and/or other communication devices, including personalcommunication devices. The audio recording device(s) may be digitalaudio recording devices or other suitable audio devices includingtypical audio recording devices. The audio recording device(s), in apreferred embodiment, has associated therewith a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system for transmitting the recorded audio to theowner or occupant and for receiving signals such as, for example,control signals, by which the owner or occupant may exercise controlover the audio recording device(s).

[0511] The audio recording device(s) may be located at any location onthe interior and/or exterior of the home and/or residential premises sothat the owner or occupant, or any other authorized individual, may hearwhat is transpiring, and/or what has transpired, inside and/or outsidethe home and/or residential premises. The audio recording device(s) mayalso be pivotable and/or movable. The audio recording device(s)microphone(s) can be moveable along a track or other guiding device orelement so that the respective audio recording device or microphone canbe moved along the premises interior or exterior. The audio recordingdevice(s) may record and/or transmit the recorded audio in real timeand/or live. The audio recording device(s) may also be equipped with astorage medium, for storing the recorded audio, and a transmitter ortransceiver for transmitting the stored audio at a later time. In thismanner, real-time as well as deferred audio transmissions may beprovided.

[0512] The home equipment system(s) 1515 may also include an intercomsystem or device or a telephone, cellular, digital or otherwise forproviding a means by which to allow the user or operator, or otherauthorized operator, to communicate with the persons present in, oroccupants of, the home. The home equipment system(s) 1515 can alsoinclude video conferencing devices and/or equipment for enabling thehome occupants and/or individuals inside the home, outside the home,and/or in the vicinity of the home, to engage in and/or partake in videoconferences and/or video conferencing with others via a communicationnetwork.

[0513] The home equipment system 1515 can also include the premisesbattery or batteries, premises fuel cell or fuel cells, batterymonitoring equipment, battery charge level, fuel cell output, fuel cellfuel supply, fuel cell temperature measuring device, fuel cellby-product (i.e. water or other by-product, heat, etc.) measuringdevice, fuel cell output measuring device (i.e. voltmeter, ammeter,current measure, power meter, etc.).

[0514] The home equipment system(s) 1515 may also include monitoringdevice(s) for reading and/or monitoring the status and/or condition ofany of the home fuel supply, water supply, electrical generator and/oralternator operation, water usage, heat and/or air conditioning usage,electricity usage, gas and/or oil or other fuel usage, battery chargelevel, electrical system charge level, fuel cell electrical poweroutput, fuel cell fuel supply level, fuel cell operating temperature,fuel cell by-product output level, telephone usage and charges,appliance usage, etc, a home control system and/or any other homeoperation and/or system function and/or home equipment system(s)operating status and/or condition. The monitoring device(s), in apreferred embodiment, may have associated therewith a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system for transmitting data and/or informationrecorded and/or read by the monitoring device(s) to the user or operatorand for receiving signals such as, for example, control signals, bywhich the user or operator may exercise control over the monitoringdevice(s).

[0515] The home equipment system(s) 1515 may also include communicationdevices, such as two-way radios, radios, televisions, fire extinguishingequipment, emergency and/or distress signal equipment, and anyelectrical, electronic and/or otherwise activated appliances and/orequipment which may be utilized in a home. Appliances may includehousehold appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners,ovens, microwave ovens, lighting systems, etc. The home equipmentsystem(s) 1515 may also include electrical and/or electronicallycontrolled dead bolt locking devices for use on doors, windows, and/orin conjunction with any other opening components and/or components forgaining access to various locations on and/or in, and/or any systems,devices, and/or components of, the home and/or residential premises.

[0516] The home equipment system(s) 1515 may also include hydraulicand/or pneumatic equipment and/or other equipment, including winches,etc, which may be remotely activated as described herein. The homeequipment system(s) 1515 may also include home communication devicesincluding, but not limited to radios, televisions and entertainmentdevices, two-way radios, cellular telephones and equipment, etc. Thehome equipment system(s) 1515 may also include systems for detectingfailures in any of the herein-described equipment systems and reportsuch failure(s) to the user or operator whether he or she is in the homeor not in the home and/or for reporting such failures to a centraloffice.

[0517] The home equipment system(s) 1515 can also include the homeand/or residential premises command computer which is utilized tocontrol and/or to the various electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/orelectromechanical systems, components, devices, of the home and/orresidential premises. The command computer can control and monitor anyof the herein-described systems, components, and/or devices, of the homeand/or residential premises which can be controlled and/or monitored bythe command computer.

[0518] The command computer can transmit control signals and/or statusrequest signals to any of the herein-described home and/or residentialpremises systems, components, and/or devices, so as to respectivelycontrol and/or monitor the operating status and/or condition of therespective system, component, and/or device. The command computer canalso receive signals from the respective systems, devices, and/orcomponents, with said signals containing data and/or informationconcerning the operating status, operating state, and/or condition, ofthe respective systems, devices, and/or components. The command computercan be utilized so as to control, monitor, and/or provide diagnosticinformation for any of the home and/or residential premises systems,components, and/or devices, which are controlled and/or monitored withthe command computer.

[0519] The home equipment system(s) 1515 can also include wear and/orusage indicators and/or detection devices which can be connected witheither the command computer and/or the central processing computer andwhich can be utilized so as to monitor the wear and/or usage of any ofthe herein-described electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/orelectromechanical, systems, devices, and/or components.

[0520] The home equipment system(s) 1515 can also include automaticcontrol devices for controlling and/or monitoring home and/orresidential premises systems, devices, and/or components, for home orresidential premises maintenance and/or upkeep.

[0521] In the case of commercial, industrial, and/or farm and/orconstruction equipment, drilling equipment, mining equipment, excavatingequipment, and/or other commercial equipment, the home equipmentsystem(s) 1515 may also include loading and/or unloading mechanisms,cutting mechanisms, bailing mechanisms, winches and any and all of thevarious systems and devices utilized in conjunction with these premisesand/or equipment.

[0522] As noted above, the use of any one or more of the home equipmentsystem(s) 1515 and/or appliances or devices and their associatedinterface devices 1516, may be optional. The interface devices 1516 maybe wireless devices or modules which need not be directly connected tothe CPU 4 or to its respective equipment system. In this regard,hard-wired connections are not necessary. In the case of wirelessinterface devices or modules 1516, corresponding wireless technologyand/or systems may be utilized to provide for the wireless control andoperation of the respective equipment(s).

[0523] In the case of a mobile home, the apparatus 1500 may alsocomprise a position and locating device 13 which can be utilized inorder to determine the position and/or the location of the mobile home.The mobile home position and locating device 13 can be utilized so as todetermine the position of the mobile home anywhere in the world andprovide for the transmission of position and/or location data to anyappropriate system receiver so that the mobile home may be locatedand/or tracked and recovered. In a preferred embodiment, the mobile homeposition and locating device 13 includes and utilizes a globalpositioning device and an associated transmitter for transmittingposition and/or location data to the authorized user, operator and/orauthorized individual.

[0524] The apparatus 1500 may also comprise a mobile home position andlocating system receiver 14, which may be employed by the authorizeduser, operator and/or authorized individual, for receiving and/orprocessing the data which is transmitted from the position and locatingdevice 13 as described in the preferred embodiments above. The apparatus1 may also comprise a user interface device (not shown).

[0525] The home equipment system(s) receives signals from the CPU 4,which signals serve to activate or de-activate, or vice versa, whicheverthe case may be, the respective home equipment system(s) which areutilized in conjunction with the apparatus 1500. The home equipmentsystem(s) 1515 may also include any other suitable home system orequipment feature which may be utilized to draw attention to the homeand/or in some other way impede home theft. It should be noted that anyof the interface devices may include any of the requisite interfacingcircuitry which may be necessary to facilitate CPU 4 control over therespective systems which may be utilized. It is understood that, whilethe embodiment of FIG. 15 is illustrated and described in conjunctionwith a home or a household system, the embodiment may also be utilizedin any residential premises and/or any residential building.

[0526] The apparatus and method of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15may be utilized and/or operates in the same or in a similar and/oranalogous manner as described in conjunction with the embodimentsdescribed above, and/or consistent with the description of the variousembodiments and features of the present invention as described herein,so as to provide control, monitoring and/or security functions for, andover, a home and/or residential premises.

[0527] The apparatus and method of FIG. 15 can provide for an immediate,as well as for a deferred, control, activation, de-activation,programming, monitoring and/or security function and/or response theretoof, and for, any one or more of the home and/or residential premisessystems, equipment, devices, appliances, etc., in the same, similarand/or analogous manner as described above in conjunction with itsutilization in the embodiments described herein.

[0528] As described above in conjunction with use of the apparatus andmethod of the present invention with vehicles, the present inventionmay, if desired, perform a test in order to determine the state orstatus of any particular system, equipment, device and/or appliancebefore exercising and/or performing a given control, monitoring and/orsecurity function. Depending upon the outcome of the test, the apparatusand method of the present invention may execute, alter and/or defer theperformance and/or execution of the control, monitoring and/or securityfunction. For example, a command to shut-off a home central electricalsystem may be deferred until after the operation of a home securitysystem, which security system may be deemed to have priority inperforming a monitoring and shut-down procedure for the entire home, hasbeen successfully completed.

[0529] In this manner a homeowner or occupant may access a home systemat any time and from any location and thereby exercise and/or performcontrol, monitoring and/or security functions on, or over, any homesystem, equipment and/or appliance. The owner or occupant may alsomonitor the status, state or operation of any home system, equipment,device and/or appliance. Lastly, the owner or occupant may performsecurity related functions or operations on, and over, the home system,equipment, device and/or appliance. As noted above, the presentinvention may be utilized in conjunction with a telephone, either analogor digital, a touch tone telephone, a cordless telephone and/or acellular or mobile telephone, a home and/or a personal computer, havingassociated telecommunication devices or other suitable peripheraldevice(s) such as a modem and/or a fax/modem, or other personalcommunication devices, which may operate over an appropriatetelecommunications system, and/or other suitable communications systems,including radio signal, optical, satellite and/or other communicationssystems.

[0530] In still another preferred embodiment, the apparatus of thepresent invention is utilized in conjunction with a commercial premises,commercial building, commercial office, industrial facility, commercialstructure, industrial structure, manufacturing facility, manufacturingequipment, manufacturing machine, drilling platform, drilling rig, oildrilling platform, off-shore drilling platform, off-shore drilling rig,excavation equipment, construction equipment, mining platform, miningequipment, assembly facility, assembly line facility and/or equipment,assembly equipment, industrial robotic equipment, mass productionfacility, production facility, assembly line, and/or any otherindustrial structure, building, edifice, equipment, system, device,component thereof and/or control system thereof and/or therefore(hereinafter referred to as “commercial premises”). FIG. 16 illustratesanother preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein theapparatus and method is utilized in conjunction with a commercialpremises and/or commercial premises control system. It is understoodthat, while the embodiment of FIG. 16 is illustrated and described inconjunction with a commercial office and/or premises control system, theembodiment may also be utilized in any commercial building and/or anycommercial premises and/or any type of building, structure, equipment,and/or premises. The apparatus of FIG. 16 is denoted generally by thereference numeral 1600. In FIG. 16, the components of the apparatuswhich are common to the apparatus of FIG. 1 are designated by the samereference numerals.

[0531] In FIG. 16, the CPU 4 is electrically connected and/or linked tothe commercial office and/or premises central electrical system 1607,which is located externally from the apparatus 1600. The CPU 4 may ormay not be connected and/or linked with the central electrical system1607 through a central electrical system interface 1608 which is alsoshown in FIG. 16. The CPU 4 may transmit signals to, as well as receivesignals from, the central electrical system 1607. In this manner, theCPU 4 and the central electrical system 1607, may exchange informationbetween each other. In this manner, the CPU 4, upon receiving anappropriate signal from the receiver 3, and upon the completion of therequisite data processing routine, may issue an electrical, anelectronic, and/or any other suitable signal, including a digitalcommand signal, to the central electrical system 1607. This electrical,electronic and/or other suitable signal, or digital command signal, maybe one which will disable the central electrical system 1607 or onewhich will re-enable or reset the central electrical system 1607.

[0532] The CPU 4 may also interrogate the central electrical system 1607and/or receive data from the central electrical system 1607 which isindicative of central electrical system status (i.e., whether thecentral electrical system 1607, or any portion thereof, is on or off).

[0533] In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is also electricallyconnected and/or linked to the commercial office and/or premises centralheating system 1609 which is also located externally from the apparatus1600. The CPU 4 may or may not be connected and/or linked with thecentral heating system 1609 through a central heating system interface1610 which is also shown in FIG. 16. The CPU 4 is capable of issuing anelectrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal, including a digitalsignal, to disable or to re-enable the central heating system 1609. TheCPU 4 may also interrogate and/or receive data from the central heatingsystem 1609 which is indicative of central heating system status (i.e.,whether the central heating system 1609, or any portion thereof, is onor off).

[0534] In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is also electricallyconnected and/or linked to the commercial office and/or premises centralair conditioning system 1611 which is also located externally from theapparatus 1600. The CPU 4 may or may not be connected and/or linked withthe central air conditioning system 1611 through a central airconditioning system interface 1612 which is also shown in FIG. 16. TheCPU 4 is capable of issuing an electrical, electronic and/or othersuitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable or to re-enablethe central air conditioning system 1611. The CPU 4 may also interrogateand/or receive data from the central air conditioning system 1611 whichis indicative of central air conditioning system status (i.e., whetherthe central air conditioning system 1611, or any portion thereof, is onor off).

[0535] The CPU 4 may also be electrically connected and/or linked to thecommercial office and/or premises water system 1613 which is alsolocated externally from the apparatus 1600. The CPU 4 may or may not beconnected and/or linked with the water system 1613 through a commercialoffice and/or premises water system interface 1614 which is also shownin FIG. 16. The water system interface 1614, in the preferredembodiment, is an electrically controlled water shut-off valve(s) and/ordevice(s). The CPU 4 is capable of issuing an electrical, electronicand/or other suitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable orto re-enable the water system 1613. The CPU 4 may also interrogateand/or receive data from the water system 1613 which is indicative ofthe state of the water system (i.e. whether the water system, or anyportion thereof, is on or off). The commercial office and/or premiseswater system 1613 may then be adjusted and/or controlled (i.e. turned onor off) by the user or operator.

[0536] The CPU 4 may also be electrically connected and/or linked to thecommercial office and/or premises thermostat system 1617 which is alsolocated externally from the apparatus 1600. The CPU 4 may or may not beconnected and/or linked with the thermostat system 1617 through acommercial office and/or premises thermostat system interface 1618 whichis also shown in FIG. 16. The CPU 4 is capable of issuing an electrical,electronic and/or other suitable signal, including a digital signal, todisable or to re-enable the thermostat system 1617. The CPU 4 may alsointerrogate and/or receive data from the thermostat system 1617 which isindicative of the temperature of the commercial office and/or premisesinterior (i.e., the interior temperature and/or whether interiortemperature, or any portion thereof, is too hot, too cold, oracceptable). The thermostat system 1617 may then be adjusted and/orcontrolled by the user or operator. The thermostat system 1617 may beconnected and/or linked to the central heating system 1609 and to thecentral air conditioning system 1611 so as to activate and/or controlthe operation of these systems in order to, and so as to, achieve thedesired temperature in the commercial office and/or premises.

[0537] The CPU 4, in the preferred embodiment, is also electricallyconnected and/or linked to at least one or more of a commercial officeand/or premises equipment system(s) 1615. The commercial office and/orpremises equipment system(s) 1615 are located externally from theapparatus 1600 and may or may not be connected and/or linked to the CPU4, via a commercial office and/or premises system equipment system(s)interface 1616 which may or may not be required for each one of thevariety or multitude of the commercial office and/or premises equipmentsystems which may be utilized in conjunction with the apparatus.

[0538] The commercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) 1615may include a commercial office and/or premises anti-theft and/orburglary alarm system, loud siren or alarm, which may be located in theinterior of the commercial office and/or premises, which may produce aloud piercing sound so as to make it unbearable for an intruder toremain inside the commercial office and/or premises, an exterior sirenor alarm, which may produce a loud piercing sound, which may be utilizedto draw attention to the commercial office and/or premises and exteriorlighting system(s) and/or the interior lighting system(s), whichlighting systems may be turned on or turned off at the user's oroperator's discretion and which may be controlled to blink on and off todraw attention to the commercial office and/or premises. The premisesequipment system(s) 1615 can also include “smart” windows which turnopaque and/or darker depending upon interior lighting.

[0539] The commercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) 1615may also include electrical and/or electronically controlled lockingdevices for doors and/or windows, including electric or electronicdead-bolt locking devices or systems, electrical systems for controllingelectrical circuits or systems room-by-room, device-by-device, and/orappliance-by-appliance.

[0540] The commercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) 1615may also include devices for controlling any one or more of theelectrical circuits, such as circuits controlled by fuses, circuitbreakers or equivalent devices. The commercial office and/or premisesequipment system(s) 1615 may also include devices for controlling and/ormonitoring hot water heaters, garage door openers, lawn sprinklersystems, electric fences and/or fencing, in-ground or above-ground poolequipment, fountain equipment, filters and/or heaters, commercial officeand/or premises fire detector equipment and commercial office and/orpremises fire extinguishment equipment. Commercial office and/orpremises equipment system(s) 1615 may also include power door and windowclosing, locking and opening equipment.

[0541] The commercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) 1615may also include any and all office equipment and/or premises appliancessuch as televisions, telephones, telephone answering machines, alarmsystems, VCRs, stoves, ovens, microwave ovens, door bells, individuallights or lamps, blenders, toasters, computers and associatedperipherals, word processors, stereos, radios, manufacturing equipmentand any other commercial office and/or premises appliances and/ordevices which are electrically and/or electronically activated and/orcontrollable.

[0542] The commercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) 1615may also include video recording and/or photographing equipment, whichmay include video recording device(s) and/or a camera(s), such as thoseutilized in conjunction with personal computers, televisions, digitaltelevisions, interactive televisions, display telephones, videotelephones, and/or other communication devices, including personalcommunication devices, or a still picture camera(s). The video recordingdevice(s) or camera(s) may be digital recording devices or cameras orother suitable devices or cameras, including typical video recordingdevices or cameras. The video recording device(s) or camera(s), in apreferred embodiment, has associated therewith a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system for transmitting video images recorded bythe video recording device(s) or camera(s) to the owner or occupant andfor receiving signals such as, for example, control signals, by whichthe owner or occupant may exercise control over the video recordingdevice(s) or camera(s).

[0543] The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may be located at anylocation on the interior of the commercial office and/or premises suchas, for example, in any room or rooms of the commercial office and/orpremises so that the owner or occupant, or any other authorizedindividual, may observe and/or photograph any portions and/or rooms inthe interior of the commercial office and/or premises, or the occupantsand/or anything which may be located and/or stored in the commercialoffice and/or premises. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) mayalso be located on the exterior of the commercial office and/or premisesso that the owner or occupant, or any other authorized individual, mayobserve and/or photograph the exterior of the commercial office and/orpremises, or portion thereof, or the individuals or objects and/oranything which may be present, located and/or stored on the premises ofcommercial office and/or premises.

[0544] The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may have wide anglesfor maximum angular viewing and may also be pivotable and/or movable.The video device(s) or camera(s) can be moveable along a track or otherguiding device or element so that the respective video recording deviceor camera can be moved along the commercial premises interior orexterior. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may record and/ortransmit the recorded video and/or the picture(s) in real time and/orlive. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may also be equippedwith a storage medium, for storing the recorded video and/or picture(s),and a transmitter or transceiver for transmitting the stored videoand/or picture(s) to the owner or occupant at a later time. In thismanner, real-time, as well as deferred, video and/or picture(s)transmissions may be provided.

[0545] The commercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) 1615may also include audio recording equipment, which may include audiorecording device(s) such as microphones and/or tape recorders, such asthose utilized in conjunction with personal computers, televisions,digital televisions, interactive televisions, telephones, cellulartelephones, display telephones, video telephones, and/or othercommunication devices, including personal communication devices. Theaudio recording device(s) may be digital audio recording devices orother suitable audio devices including typical audio recording devices.The audio recording device(s), in a preferred embodiment, has associatedtherewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system for transmittingthe recorded audio to the owner or occupant and for receiving signalssuch as, for example, control signals, by which the owner or occupantmay exercise control over the audio recording device(s).

[0546] The audio recording device(s) may be located at any location onthe interior and/or exterior of the commercial office and/or premises sothat the owner or occupant, or any other authorized individual, may hearwhat is transpiring, and/or what has transpired, inside and/or outsidethe commercial office and/or premises.

[0547] The audio recording device(s) may also be pivotable and/ormovable. The audio device(s) or camera(s) can be moveable along a trackor other guiding device or element so that the respective videorecording device or camera can be moved along the commercial premisesinterior or exterior. The audio recording device(s) may record and/ortransmit the recorded audio in real time and/or live. The audiorecording device(s) may also be equipped with a storage medium, forstoring the recorded audio, and a transmitter or transceiver fortransmitting the stored audio at a later time. In this manner, real-timeas well as deferred audio transmissions may be provided.

[0548] The commercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) 1615may also include an intercom system or device or telephone, cellular,digital or otherwise, for providing a means by which to allow the useror operator, or other authorized individual, to communicate with thepersons present in the, or occupants of the, commercial office and/orpremises. The vehicle equipment system 1615 can also include videoconferencing devices and/or equipment for enabling the commercial officeand/or premises occupants and/or individuals inside the commercialoffice and/or premises, outside the commercial office and/or premises,and/or in the vicinity of the commercial office and/or premises, toengage in and/or partake in video conferences and/or video conferencingwith others via a communication network.

[0549] The premises equipment system(s) 1615 can also include thepremises battery or batteries, premises fuel cell or fuel cells, batterymonitoring equipment, battery charge level, fuel cell output, fuel cellfuel supply, fuel cell temperature measuring device, fuel cellby-product (i.e. water or other by-product, heat, etc.) measuringdevice, fuel cell output measuring device (i.e. voltmeter, ammeter,current measure, power meter, etc.).

[0550] The commercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) 1615may also include monitoring device(s) for reading and/or monitoring thestatus and/or condition of any of the commercial office and/or premisesfuel supply, water supply, electrical generator and/or alternatoroperation, water usage, heat and/or air conditioning usage, electricityusage, gas and/or oil or other fuel usage, battery charge level,electrical system charge level, fuel cell electrical power output, fuelcell fuel supply level, fuel cell operating temperature, fuel cellby-product output level, telephone usage and charges, commercial officeand/or premises equipment and/or appliance usage, etc, a commercialoffice and/or premises control system and/or any other commercial officeand/or premises operation and/or system function and/or commercialpremises equipment system(s) operating status and/or condition. Themonitoring device(s), in a preferred embodiment, may have associatedtherewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system for transmittingdata and/or information recorded and/or read by the monitoring device(s)to the user or operator and for receiving signals such as, for example,control signals, by which the user or operator may exercise control,monitoring and/or security over the monitoring device(s).

[0551] The commercial premises equipment system(s) 1615 may also includecommunication devices, such as two-way radios, radios, televisions, fireextinguishing equipment, emergency and/or distress signal equipment, andany electrical, electronic and/or otherwise activated appliances and/orequipment which may be utilized in a commercial office and/or premises.Appliances may include household appliances such as refrigerators,stoves, air conditioners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting systems, etc.The commercial premises equipment system(s) 1615 may also includeelectrical and/or electronically controlled dead bolt locking devicesfor use on doors, windows, and/or in conjunction with any other openingcomponents and/or components for gaining access to various locations onand/or in, and/or any systems, devices, and/or components of, thecommercial premises.

[0552] The commercial premises equipment system(s) 1615 may also includehydraulic and/or pneumatic equipment and/or other equipment, assemblyequipment, drilling equipment, mining equipment, construction equipment,excavation equipment, robotic equipment, electrical equipment of anykind, mechanical equipment of any kind, electro-mechanical equipment ofany kind, including winches, etc, which may be remotely activated asdescribed herein. The premises equipment system(s) 1615 may also includepremises communication devices including, but not limited to radios,televisions and entertainment devices, two-way radios, cellulartelephones and equipment, etc. The premises equipment system(s) 1615 mayalso include systems for detecting failures in any of theherein-described equipment systems and report such failure(s) to theuser or operator whether he or she is in the premises or not in thepremises and/or for reporting such failures to a central office.

[0553] The commercial premises equipment system(s) 1615 can also includethe commercial premises command computer which is utilized to controland/or to the various electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/orelectromechanical systems, components, devices, of the commercialpremises. The command computer can control and monitor any of theherein-described systems, components, and/or devices, of the commercialpremises which can be controlled and/or monitored by the commandcomputer.

[0554] The command computer can transmit control signals and/or statusrequest signals to any of the herein-described commercial premisessystems, components, and/or devices, so as to respectively controland/or monitor the operating status and/or condition of the respectivesystem, component, and/or device. The command computer can also receivesignals from the respective systems, devices, and/or components, withsaid signals containing data and/or information concerning the operatingstatus, operating state, and/or condition, of the respective systems,devices, and/or components. The command computer can be utilized so asto control, monitor, and/or provide diagnostic information for any ofthe commercial premises systems, components, and/or devices, which arecontrolled and/or monitored with the command computer.

[0555] The premises equipment system(s) 1615 can also include wearand/or usage indicators and/or detection devices which can be connectedwith either the command computer and/or the central processing computerand which can be utilized so as to monitor the wear and/or usage of anyof the herein-described electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/orelectromechanical, systems, devices, and/or components.

[0556] The commercial premises equipment system(s) 1615 can also includeautomatic control devices for controlling and/or monitoring commercialpremises systems, devices, and/or components, for commercial premisesmaintenance and/or upkeep.

[0557] In the case of commercial, industrial, and/or farm and/orconstruction equipment, drilling equipment, mining equipment, excavatingequipment, and/or other commercial equipment, the premises equipmentsystem(s) 1615 may also include loading and/or unloading mechanisms,cutting mechanisms, bailing mechanisms, winches and any and all of thevarious systems and devices utilized in conjunction with these premisesand/or equipment.

[0558] As noted above, the use of any one or more of the commercialoffice and/or premises equipment systems and/or appliances or devices1615 and their associated interface devices 1616, may be optional. Theinterface devices 1616 may be wireless devices or modules which need notbe directly connected to the CPU 4 or to its respective equipmentsystem. In this regard, wired connections are not necessary. In the caseof wireless interface devices or modules 1616, corresponding wirelesstechnology and/or systems must be utilized to provide for the wirelesscontrol and operation of the respective equipment(s).

[0559] The commercial office and/or premises equipment system orsystem(s) 1615 receives signals from the CPU 4, which signals serve toactivate or de-activate, or vice versa, whichever the case may be, therespective commercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) whichare utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 1600. The commercialoffice and/or premises equipment system(s) 1615 may also include anyother suitable commercial office and/or premises system or equipmentfeature which may be utilized to draw attention to the commercial officeand/or premises and/or in some other way impede commercial office and/orpremises theft. It should be noted that any of the interface devices mayinclude any of the requisite interfacing circuitry which may benecessary to facilitate CPU 4 control over the respective systems,equipment, devices and/or appliances which may be utilized.

[0560] The apparatus and method of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 16is utilized and operates in the manner described above in conjunctionwith the vehicle and/or the home embodiments so as to provide for asystem for controlling, monitoring and/or providing security functionsfor and over a commercial office and/or premises. The apparatus andmethod of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 16 may be utilized and/oroperates in the same or in a similar and/or analogous manner consistentwith the description of the various embodiments and features of thepresent invention as described herein so as to provide control,monitoring and/or security functions over and with respect to thecommercial office and/or premises with which the apparatus is utilizedin conjunction with.

[0561] In the case of mobile commercial office and/or premises, theapparatus 1600 may also comprise a commercial office and/or premisesposition and locating device 13 which can be utilized in order todetermine the position and/or the location of the commercial officeand/or premises. The position and locating device 13 can be utilized soas to determine the position of the commercial office and/or premisesanywhere in the world and provide for the transmission of positionand/or location data to any appropriate system receiver so that thecommercial office and/or premises may be located and/or tracked andrecovered. In the preferred embodiment, the position and locating device13 includes and utilizes a global positioning device and an associatedtransmitter for transmitting position and/or location data to theauthorized user, operator, and/or authorized individual.

[0562] The apparatus 1600 also includes a commercial offices and/orpremises position and locating system receiver 14, which may be employedby the authorized user, operator, and/or authorized individual, forreceiving and/or processing the data which is transmitted from theposition and locating device 13 as described above. The apparatus 1 mayalso comprise a user interface device (not shown).

[0563] The apparatus and method of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 16is utilized and operates in the manner described above in conjunctionwith the vehicle and/or the home premises embodiments so as to providefor a system for controlling, monitoring and/or providing securityfunctions for, and over, a commercial office and/or premises. Theapparatus and method of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 16 may beutilized and/or operates in the same or in a similar and/or analogousmanner as described in conjunction with the various embodimentsdescribed herein and/or consistent with the description of the variousembodiments and features of the present invention as described herein,so as to provide control, monitoring and/or security functions for, andover, a commercial office and/or premises.

[0564] In this manner, an owner, occupant, and/or authorized individual,may access a commercial office and/or premises system at any time andfrom any location and thereby exercise and/or perform control,monitoring and/or security functions over any commercial office and/orpremises system, equipment, device and/or appliance. The owner,occupant, and/or authorized individual, may also monitor the status,state or operation of any commercial office and/or premises system,equipment, device and/or appliance. Lastly, the owner or authorizedindividual may perform security related functions or operations on andover the commercial office and/or premises system, equipment, deviceand/or appliance.

[0565] The apparatus and method of FIG. 16 can provide for an immediate,as well as for a deferred, control, activation, de-activation,programming, monitoring and/or security functions and/or responsesthereto, of, and for, any one or more of the commercial office and/orpremises systems, equipment, devices, appliances, etc., in the same,similar and/or analogous manner as described above with in conjunctionwith the various embodiments.

[0566] As described above in conjunction with use of the apparatus andmethod of the present invention with vehicles and residential premises,the present invention may, if desired, perform a test in order todetermine the state or status of any particular system, equipment,device and/or appliance before exercising and/or performing a givencontrol, monitoring and/or security function. Depending upon the outcomeof the test, the apparatus and method of the present invention mayexecute, alter, and/or defer, the performance and/or the execution ofthe control, monitoring and/or security function. For example, a commandto shutoff a central electrical system may be deferred until after theoperation of a security system, which security system may be deemed tohave priority in performing a monitoring and shut-down procedure for theentire commercial office and/or premises, has been successfullycompleted.

[0567] As noted above, the present invention, in any of the hereindescribed embodiments, as well as modifications, variations and/oralternate embodiments thereof, may be utilized in conjunction with atelephone, including analog and digital telephones, a touch-tonetelephone, a cordless telephone and/or a cellular or mobile telephone, ahome and/or a personal computer having associated telecommunicationdevices or other suitable peripheral device(s) such as a modem and/or afax/modem, or other personal communication devices, which can operateover an appropriate telecommunications system, and/or other suitablecommunications systems, including radio signal, optical, satelliteand/or other communications systems.

[0568] The communications system(s) utilized in any of the embodimentsdescribed herein may operate anywhere in the electromagnetic and/or theradio spectrum. In this regard, personal communication service (PCS)systems and devices, including stationary, portable and/or hand-helddevices, may also be utilized. Digital signal communications devicesand/or systems, including digital satellite systems, may also beutilized. Interactive and/or digital televisions, personal communicationdevices, personal communications services (PCS) devices, telephones,including telephones which utilize analog or digital technology,personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, display telephones,video telephones, display cellular telephones and electronicallyequipped watches, beepers, pagers or paging systems, and/or otherdevices and/or personal effects and/or accessories may also be utilizedfor interactive use and/or for the display or output applications and/orfunctions. In this regard, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention may be utilized on, or over, the Internet and/or the WorldWide Web, or other suitable communication network or medium, in order tocontrol, monitor and/or provide security functions on, or for, any ofthe herein described vehicles, marine vessels or vehicles, aircraft,recreational vehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises.

[0569] The apparatus and method of the present invention may findapplications in areas other than those described and illustrated above.The present invention may find application in any type of control,monitoring and/or security system or the like, wherein a long-rangeremote-controlled and/or interactive system may be utilized in order toprovide an immediate, or a deferred, response to a control, monitoringand/or security function, or response thereto, and/or to exercise and/orprovide control, monitoring or security over desired items and/ordevices from a remote location. The present invention may also beutilized to monitor and/or track the whereabouts or location of variousobjects and/or systems. In this regard, the apparatus and method of thepresent invention may be utilized so as to monitor the whereaboutsand/or location of individuals and to provide for a means by which tocommunicate with them.

[0570] The apparatus and method of the present invention may be utilizedin conjunction with appropriate security devices for preventing accessby unauthorized individuals. In this regard, the apparatus and method ofthe present invention may be utilized in conjunction with appropriatesecurity access devices, secured and/or encrypted communication signals,linkups and mediums. Security measures may include utilization andprocessing of access codes, encrypted codes, personal identificationcodes and/or data, software-based security measures and/or devices,hardware-based security measures and/or devices, and/or any combinationof software-based and hardware-based measures and/or devices. Thesecurity measures and/or methods utilized may also include the use ofsignal scramblers and associated de-scramblers, and/or any one or moreof the widely known devices and/or methods for providing a securedcommunication system and/or link.

[0571] The present invention provides for an apparatus and method forexercising and/or performing remote-controlled control, monitoringand/or security functions and/or operations for any type and variety ofvehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft,recreational vehicles, residential premises and/or commercial premises.

[0572] The apparatus and method of the present invention may also beprogrammable for programmed and/or automatic activation,self-activation, programmed and/or automatic operation and/orself-operation. The apparatus and method of the present invention mayprovide for an immediate, as well as for a deferred, control, monitoringand/or security function, and/or response thereto, so as to provide forthe immediate and/or for the deferred control, activation, deactivation,programming, monitoring and/or security, etc., of any one or more of therespective systems, equipment, devices, appliances, etc., which may beutilized in any of the above described embodiments and/or in anymodifications, variations and/or alternate embodiments thereof.

[0573] The present invention may also be equipped with, and be utilizedwith, hardware and software necessary for providing self-monitoringfunctions, automatic control and/or responses to occurrences, providingautomatic notice of an occurrence and/or a situation to an owner, userand/or authorized individual. In this regard, any and all of theembodiments described above may comprise a monitoring device, atriggering device and/or any other suitable device for detecting anoccurrence and/or a situation which may warrant providing notice to anowner, user and/or authorized operator. In this regard, the apparatusmay provide a transmission of any appropriate signal from a transmitterand, if desired, from a voice synthesizer to the owner, user and/orauthorized individual, or to the location of the individual. The signalutilized could be in the form of a communication transmission, dependingupon the communication medium utilized, a telephone call, a voicemessage, a beeper and/or pager message, an Electronic mail message, afax transmission, and/or any other mode of communication which may beutilized with any of the apparatuses, devices and/or componentsdescribed herein.

[0574] Any of the above-described embodiments may be utilized inconjunction with a central security office and/or agency for providinguse in conjunction with such a central office and/or agency as describedhereinabove. In this manner, each and every embodiment of the presentinvention may be utilized with a central security office and/or agency.The present invention may also provide a means for occupants of thevehicle, motor vehicle, marine vessel, aircraft, recreational vehicle,residential premises and/or commercial premises to contact a centralsecurity office and/or agency and/or any other individual havingcorresponding communication equipment and/or who is authorized and/orequipped to receive such transmissions.

[0575] The present invention can be utilized to access, monitor, and/orrecord or store, operation data and/or information for any of theherein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels,airplanes, aircraft, and/or recreational vehicles, at a location remotefrom the respective vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels,airplanes, aircraft, and/or recreational vehicles, as well as for any ofthe herein-described residential premises and/or commercial premises.Any of the respective operation data and/or information can be obtainedat, and/or stored at, any of the transmitters, home and/or personalcomputers, computers, and/or server computers, described herein.

[0576] The present invention can provide for the remote accessing,obtaining, or storage, of operation data for any one or more of theherein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels,airplanes, aircraft, and/or recreational vehicles. In addition, thepresent invention can provide for the remote accessing, obtaining, orstorage, of operation data for any one or more of the herein-describedresidential premises and/or commercial premises, by accessing,controlling, and/or monitoring, respective premises operation datarecorder and/or monitoring devices.

[0577] The present invention enables an owner, user and/or authorizedindividual, to exercise and/or perform convenient control, monitoringand/or security functions, as and/or operations, over any of the abovedescribed or similar objects, vehicles, vessels and/or premises, from aremote location. For example, an individual may conveniently providecontrol over and monitor, the state and/or status of a vehicle parked ata location distant from his present location, and provide control overand monitor, a boat, an airplane, a vacation home which may be locatedin another locale, and/or to provide control over and monitor, abusiness office after hours or while absent therefrom.

[0578] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, thepresent invention can be utilized in conjunction with intelligentagents, software agents and/or mobile agents. In such embodiments, theagent can be programmed to perform any and all of the control,monitoring, and/or security functions described herein on behalf on anyof the herein described and/or respective owners, users, operators ofthe vehicles, premises, equipment, systems, devices, and/or components,described herein. Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein thesubject matter of the Agent Sourcebook, A Complete Guide to Desktop,Internet and Intranet Agents, by Alper Caglayan and Colin Harrison,Wiley Computer Publishing, 1997. Applicant also incorporates byreference herein the subject matter of Cool Intelligent Agents For TheNet, by Leslie L. Lesnick with Ralph E. Moore, IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.1997.

[0579] The present invention, in any of the embodiments describedherein, may be designed to be user-friendly. In this regard, the presentinvention may be menu-driven, and/or its operation may be menu-selected,from audio menus, visual menus, or both audio and visual menus.

[0580] Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subjectmatter and the teachings of the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,882,579,4,882,746, 5,003,317, 5,031,103, 5,081,667, 5,113,427, 5,138,649,5,173,932, 5,208,756, 5,223,844, 5,247,564, 5,276,728, 5,287,398,5,334,974, 5,389,935, 5,418,537, 5,432,841, 5,513,244, 5,515,043,5,557,254, 5,563,453, 5,682,133, 6,014,447, 6,009,363, 6,007,095,6,006,159, 5,973,619, 5,949,345, 5,898,392, 5,844,473, 5,835,871,5,835,376, 5,809,161, 5,729,452, 5,715,905, 5,660,246, and 5,550,738.

[0581] The present invention, in any and/or all of the embodimentsdescribed herein, hereby incorporates the teachings of, and can utilizethe teachings of, the above-identified U.S. patents as well as improveupon the teachings of the above-identified U.S. patents.

[0582] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any of thefuel cells which are or can be utilized can be hydrogen fuel cells, zincfuel cells, alkaline fuel cells, phosphoric acid fuel cells, protonexchange membrane fuel cells, methanol fuel cells, direct methanol fuelcells, natural gas fuel cells, molten carbonate fuel cells, solid oxidefuel cells, and/or any other fuel cell type, and/or any combinationthereof.

[0583] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, therespective CPU 4, server computer 510, computer 970, or other centralprocessing computer, and/or the server computer 952, and/or any othercentral processing computers and/or devices, can maintain maintenancerecords and/or service records for any of the herein-described vehicles,motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels, airplanes, aircraft, recreationalvehicles, residential premises, and/or any of the commercial premisesdescribed herein, and/or for any of the respective systems, subsystems,devices, and/or components of same.

[0584] The respective CPU 4 or computers can monitor maintenance and/orservicing activities, store information regarding maintenance and/orservicing performed thereon and/or thereto, and/or provide notification,via e-mail message, fax transmission, beeper and/or pager message,telephone message, and/or notification via any other appropriate means,for and/or regarding any of the herein-described vehicles and/orpremises and/or systems, subsystems, devices and/or components, of same.In this manner, maintenance and/or service records can be accessedand/or obtained via the apparatus and method of the present invention byaccessing the respective CPU 4 and/or any of the other computersdescribed herein. The CPU 4 and/or any of the other computers describedherein can also be programmed to provide notification to the respectiveindividuals, owners, users and/or occupants described herein regardingwhen maintenance and/or service may be needed and/or may be scheduled.

[0585] The present invention, in any and/or all of the embodimentsdescribed herein, can be utilized to control, monitor and/or maintainand/or secure any of the herein-described vehicles, motor vehicles,boats, marine vessels, airplanes, aircraft, recreational vehicles,residential premises, and/or any of the commercial premises describedherein, and/or for any of the respective systems, subsystems, devices,and/or components of same. For example, the present invention can beutilized to monitor and/or control fuel cells via the Internet, theWorld Wide Web and/or via any other communication network.

[0586] The present invention can also be utilized to control and/ormonitor any of the herein-described and respective systems, equipmentsystems, subsystems, devices, and/or components of any of theherein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels,airplanes, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residential premises, and/orany of the commercial premises.

[0587] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any of thesystems, subsystems, equipment systems, devices, and/or components, ofany of the herein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marinevessels, airplanes, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residentialpremises, and/or commercial premises, can be controlled, monitored,and/or secured, via the CPU 4 and/or via any other computer, servercomputer, communication device, and/or any other devices, describedherein.

[0588] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, themovement, propulsion, direction of travel, and/or the operation, of anyof the herein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels,airplanes, aircraft, recreational vehicles, and/or any of theirrespective systems, equipment systems, subsystems, devices, componentsand/or appliances, can be controlled via any of the herein-describedtransmitters, home and/or personal computers, and/or other suitablecommunication devices or computers, via any of the herein-describedserver computers, computers, central processing computers and/orsimilarly utilized computers and/or computer systems.

[0589] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the CPU4 can be the dedicated control device for, and/or can be an integratedcontrol device and/or component of, any of the respective systems,subsystems, equipment systems, devices, and/or components, of any of theherein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels,airplanes, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residential premises, and/orcommercial premises. In this manner, for example, the CPU 4 and/or therespective apparatus can be utilized to provide for the direct control,monitoring, and/or security, of and/or for any one of the specificsystems, subsystems, equipment systems, devices and/or components, ofany of the herein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marinevessels, airplanes, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residentialpremises, and/or commercial premises.

[0590] In the same manner, any specific system, equipment system,subsystem, device and/or component, can be directly controlled,monitored, and/or secured, directly by, from, and/or via, the dedicatedCPU 4 and/or by, from, and/or via, the CPU 4 which can be an internaland/or an integrated control device and/or component of the respectivesystem, equipment system, subsystem, device and/or component.

[0591] In any of the embodiments described herein which providecentralized processing functionality such as those embodiments of FIG.5B, FIG. 11A, and FIG. 11B, any of the respective server computers 510,computers 970, server computers 952 and computers 970 can be anycomputers and/or computer systems, central processing computers, severcomputers, network computers, and/or any other computers and/orcommunication devices, depending upon the specific application and/orthe communication networks which are utilized in conjunction therewith.Any of the respective server computers 510, computers 970, servercomputers 952 and computers 970, can also be implemented by any numberany/or type of computers and/or computer systems.

[0592] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any of therespective transmitters 2, central processing units CPU 4, home and/orpersonal computers 150, server computers 510, computers 970, servercomputers 952, can transmit signals, data and/or information, to, aswell as receive signals, data and/or information, from, any one or moreof the respective transmitters 2, central processing units CPU 4, homeand/or personal computers 150, server computers 510, computers 970,server computers 952. Any of the respective transmitters 2, centralprocessing units CPU 4, home and/or personal computers 150, servercomputers 510, computers 970, server computers 952, can communicate witheach other in a bi-directional manner and/or fashion.

[0593] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the CPU 4can generate and transmit an appropriate message and/or signal, whichcan contain any appropriate data and/or information, and transmit saidsignal to a respective transmitter 2, home and/or personal computer 150,server computer 510, computer 970, and/or server computer 952, dependingupon the embodiment utilized. In turn, any of the server computers 510,computers 970, and/or server computers 952, can process and/or transmiteither the signal and/or a signal generated in response to the signaltransmitted from the CPU 4 to the transmitter 2, the home and/orpersonal computer, and/or any other communication device associated withthe respective individual, owner, user, and/or occupant, to be providedwith such notification.

[0594] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any of theserver computers 510, computers 970, and/or server computers 952, and/orany of the home and/or personal computers or communication devices 150described herein and/or utilized in conjunction with the apparatus andmethod of the present invention can comprise and/or can be implementedwith any number of computers or computer systems. In this regard, any ofthe server computers 510, computers 970, and/or server computers 952,and/or any of the home and/or personal computers or communicationdevices 150 can be a single computer or computer system or can becomprised of, or can include, a plurality (i.e. two or more) computersor computer systems. In this manner, any of the server computers 510,computers 970, and/or server computers 952, and/or any of the homeand/or personal computers or communication devices 150 can be comprisedof, and/or can be implemented, by utilizing any number of computersand/or computer systems.

[0595] The server computer 510, computer 970, and/or server computer952, and/or any of the home and/or personal computer or communicationdevices 150 can also be comprised of, or can include, any number ofcomputers and/or computer systems and can also include any number oftransmitters, receivers, and/or other hardware devices and/or peripheraldevices.

[0596] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any of thereceivers or transmitters associated with and/or utilized in conjunctionwith any of the server computers 510, computers 970, and/or servercomputers 952, and/or any of the home and/or personal computers orcommunication devices 150, described herein, can be or can include anynumber of receivers or transmitters, respectively.

[0597] In this manner, any event occurring at and/or involving, anycondition of, any occurrence of, and/or other operating conditionsand/or states regarding, any of the respective systems, equipmentsystems, subsystems, devices, components, and/or appliances, of any ofthe respective vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels,airplane, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residential premises, and/orcommercial premises, described herein. For example, a malfunctioning ofa respective system(s), equipment system(s), subsystem(s), device(s),component(s), equipment, and/or appliance(s), of any of theherein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels,airplanes, aircraft, recreational vehicles, residential premises, and/orcommercial premises, can be reported to a respective server computer,central processing computer, and/or central monitoring service, and/orcan be reported to any of the respective individuals, users, owners,and/or occupants.

[0598] Similarly, any activation, de-activation, enabling, disabling,and/or any change and/or occurrence in, and/or involving the statusand/or the operational state, of any of the respective system(s),equipment system(s), subsystem(s), device(s), component(s), equipment,and/or appliance(s), described herein, can be reported to a respectiveserver computer, central processing computer, and/or central monitoringservice, and/or can be reported to any of the respective individuals,users, owners, and/or occupants.

[0599] While the present invention has been described and illustrated invarious preferred embodiments, such descriptions are merely illustrativeof the present invention and are not to be construed to be limitationsthereof. In this regard, the present invention encompasses any and allmodifications, variations and/or alternate embodiments with the scope ofthe present invention being limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A control apparatus, comprising: a first controldevice, wherein the first control device is capable of controlling oneor more of a plurality of at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicleequipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicleequipment, and a vehicle appliance, of a vehicle, wherein the firstcontrol device at least one of generates a first signal and transmits afirst signal for controlling the at least one of a vehicle system, avehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, avehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, wherein the first controldevice is located at the vehicle, wherein the first control device atleast one of generates the first signal and transmits the first signalin response to a second signal, wherein the second signal is at leastone of generated by a second control device and transmitted from asecond control device, wherein the second control device is located at alocation which is remote from the vehicle, wherein the second signal istransmitted from the second control device to the first control device,and further wherein the second signal is automatically received by thefirst control device, wherein the second control device at least one ofgenerates the second signal and transmits the second signal in responseto a third signal, wherein the third signal is at least one of generatedby a third control device and transmitted from a third control device,wherein the third control device is located at a location which isremote from the vehicle and remote from the second control device,wherein the third signal is transmitted from the third control device tothe second control device, and further wherein the third signal isautomatically received by the second control device.
 2. A controlapparatus, comprising: a first control device, wherein the first controldevice at least one of generates a first signal and transmits a firstsignal for controlling at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicleequipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicleequipment, and a vehicle appliance, of a vehicle, wherein the firstcontrol device is located at a location remote from the vehicle, whereinthe first control device at least one of generates the first signal andtransmits the first signal in response to a second signal, wherein thesecond signal is at least one of generated by a second control deviceand transmitted from a second control device, wherein the second controldevice is located at a location which is remote from the first controldevice and remote from the vehicle, wherein the second signal istransmitted from the second control device to the first control device,and further wherein the second signal is automatically received by thefirst control device, wherein the first signal controls a third controldevice, wherein the third control device is capable of controlling oneor more of a plurality of the at least one of a vehicle system, avehicle equipment system, a vehicle component, a vehicle device, avehicle equipment, and a vehicle appliance, wherein the first signal istransmitted from the first control device to the third control device,and further wherein the first signal is automatically received by thethird control device, wherein the third control device is located at thevehicle, and further wherein the third control device at least one ofgenerates a third signal and transmits a third signal for controllingthe at least one of a vehicle system, a vehicle equipment system, avehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle equipment, and a vehicleappliance.
 3. A control apparatus, comprising: a first control device,wherein the first control device is capable of controlling one or moreof a plurality of at least one of a premises system, a premisesequipment system, a premises component, a premises device, a premisesequipment, and a premises appliance, of a premises, wherein the firstcontrol device at least one of generates a first signal and transmits afirst signal for controlling the at least one of a premises system, apremises equipment system, a premises component, a premises device, apremises equipment, and a premises appliance, wherein the first controldevice is located at the premises, wherein the first control device atleast one of generates the first signal and transmits the first signalin response to a second signal, wherein the second signal is at leastone of generated by a second control device and transmitted from asecond control device, wherein the second control device is located at alocation which is remote from the premises, wherein the second signal istransmitted from the second control device to the first control device,and further wherein the second signal is automatically received by thefirst control device, wherein the second control device at least one ofgenerates the second signal and transmits the second signal in responseto a third signal, wherein the third signal is at least one of generatedby a third control device and transmitted from a third control device,wherein the third control device is located at a location which isremote from the premises and remote from the second control device,wherein the third signal is transmitted from the third control device tothe second control device, and further wherein the third signal isautomatically received by the second control device.